Scientist I, In-vivo Pharmacology, Cancer Biology

About Astellas

Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com.

Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients?

We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.

Purpose & Scope

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to join our in vivo team within Disease Biology & Pharmacology, Cancer Biology. Working with a high degree of independence under the guidance of a senior scientific lead, the successful candidate will plan, execute, and interpret in vivo studies — alongside supporting ex vivo and in vitro assays — to identify and validate novel druggable oncology targets, and advance targets from the pre-DC pipeline into the Astellas drug portfolio.

Role and Responsibilities

✓Dedicate approximately 80% of working time to hands-on in vivo execution in the vivarium and laboratory, including daily dosing, tumor measurement, sample collection, and in-life monitoring across concurrent oncology studies.
✓Perform formulation, dosing by all routine routes (per os, i.p., s.c., i.v. including tail-vein injection), tumor cell implantation (subcutaneous, orthotopic, and intravenous), tumor caliper measurements, body weight and body condition scoring, blood and terminal sample collection, and rodent survival surgeries for in vivo efficacy, PK/PD, safety and mechanistic studies in relevant mouse models.
✓Coordinate day-to-day in-life study logistics, including submitting animal orders, acclimation, identification, tumor-based randomization, cage-side clinical observations, recognition and reporting of humane endpoints, and communication with In-vivo Resource Center staff on animal health concerns.
✓Plan, execute and interpret in vivo genetic or pharmacological perturbation studies, to decipher mechanism of action of novel oncology targets.
✓Harvest, process, and analyze tumor and tissue samples under appropriate anesthesia and approved euthanasia methods, including basic necropsy technique, sample preservation for downstream molecular and histology workflows, and coordination of histopathology as needed.
✓Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot core in vivo equipment and consumables, including calipers, precision balances, isoflurane anesthesia units and scavenging systems, warming and imaging platforms, and dosing supplies, and maintain inventory levels so that scheduled studies are not delayed.
✓Perform routine in vitro cell cultures (e.g., cancer cell lines, primary cell culture) for expansion and characterization.
✓Perform routine biochemical and cellular assays (e.g., immunoblotting/JESS, ELISA, clinical biochemical tests…) to support and complement in vivo findings.
✓Capture in-life study data in the group's in vivo study management system, including randomization, dosing records, tumor volumes, body weights, and clinical observations, and generate tumor growth inhibition, survival, and body weight change analyses for study reports.
✓Identify pitfalls and independently troubleshoot and resolve technical roadblocks.
✓Analyze data and present results to cross-functional project teams.
✓Partner cross-functionally with Cancer Biology colleagues to advance shared project goals.
✓Support study schedules that require early morning, late evening, weekend, or holiday dosing and monitoring coverage, and participate in a shared coverage rotation with in vivo colleagues to ensure uninterrupted study execution.
✓Maintain accurate, timely and well-organized experimental records, data analysis, study reports while ensuring a safe, compliant, and reproducible lab environment
✓Follow all IACUC protocols, SOPs, institutional policies, and applicable animal welfare regulations; contribute to the drafting and amendment of animal use protocols for assigned studies; and complete and maintain required animal handling training, competency assessments, and occupational health program enrollment in support of AAALAC accreditation.

Required Qualifications

✓MS in cancer biology, cell biology, biochemistry, pharmacology or a related discipline with 3-5 years of relevant lab-based experience OR
✓BS in cancer biology, cell biology, biochemistry, pharmacology or a related discipline with 5-8 years of relevant industry lab-based experience.
✓Fresh PhD graduates with hands-on experience in mouse dosing (per os, i.v.) and xenograft model characterization may be considered; candidates with more than 3 years of post-PhD experience are not the intended target for this Scientist I role.

Because this position is approximately 80% hands-on, the successful candidate must be able to work independently (after completing the required competency assessment and/or trainings) with mouse restraint and handling, dosing by per os, i.p., s.c. and i.v. routes, tumor cell implantation and caliper measurement, blood and tissue collection, and euthanasia and necropsy, and must be able to work in vivarium personal protective equipment for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications

✓AALAS certification (ALAT, LAT, or LATG) and hands-on experience with in vivo study management software such as Study Director or StudyLog for randomization, dosing records, and tumor measurement capture.
✓Extensive, hands-on experience with oncology tumor models (e.g., xenograft, syngeneic, GEMM, and/or PDX) treated with small molecules and/or biologics
✓Solid working knowledge of routine biochemical and cellular biology techniques.
✓Familiarity with in vivo imaging modalities, IHC, primary cell isolation and processing
✓Excellent organizational, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
✓Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Location and Working Environment

✓This position is based in the Westborough, MA, Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine (AIRM) location, and will require on-site work; occasionally travelling to ALSC Cambridge site maybe required.
✓This position's work environment is in a vivarium and laboratory/bench setting.
✓May require occasional early mornings, late evenings, weekends, or holidays for dosing and monitoring mouse health. Must be willing and able to participate in a shared coverage rotation.

What awaits you at Astellas?

✓Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.
✓Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
✓Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
✓A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.

Our Organizational Values and Behaviors

Values: Innovation, Integrity and Impact sit at the heart of what we do.

Behaviors: We come together as ‘One Astellas’, working with courage and a sense of urgency. We are outcome focused and consistently take accountability for our personal contribution.

Salary Range

$94,570-$135,100 (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations.)

Benefits

✓Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
✓Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
✓401(k) match and annual company contribution
✓Company paid life insurance
✓Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
✓Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
✓Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
✓Referral bonus program

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