Modality Intelligence Lead, Oncology Research Intelligence

Do you want to be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients? Every day, we are driven to develop and deliver innovative and effective new medicines to patients and physicians.  If you want to be part of this exciting work, you belong at Astellas!

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Keeping our focus on addressing unmet medical needs and conducting our business with ethics and integrity enables us to improve the health of people throughout the world. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.com.

This position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts or San Francisco, California. Remote work from certain states may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines. Candidates interested in remote work are encouraged to apply.

Purpose and Scope:

The Modality Intelligence Lead is a scientific subject matter expert within the Oncology Research Intelligence group with deep expertise in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) linker and payload chemistry and related targeted delivery platforms, specializing in the strategic analysis of emerging therapeutic modalities such as next gen ADCs and Degrader-Antibody Conjugates. Reporting to the Head of CI&RPM, this role leads strategic intelligence on ADC chemistry innovation (linker classes, payload mechanisms, conjugation technologies, stability/release, developability/CMC, and safety/PK/PD implications) and translates external signals into research portfolio recommendations for Oncology Research. In addition to ongoing landscape monitoring and intelligence synthesis, the Modality Intelligence Lead proactively identifies and frames external partnering opportunities (platforms, assets, and enabling technologies) and develops structured evaluation proposals in collaboration with External Innovation Partners, Oncology Research Leadership, relevant PF (e.g., PF-IO and PF-TPD) and Business Development.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Modality Landscape Monitoring & Strategic Foresight:

• Continuously monitor scientific, clinical, and technological advances in ADC linker and payload chemistry (cleavable/non-cleavable linkers, payload classes/MoA, conjugation chemistries, site-specific conjugation, DAR control, and stability/release mechanisms) and adjacent targeted delivery modalities.
• Identify emerging trends, breakthroughs, and risks (PK/PD, safety/toxicity, bystander effect, resistance, developability/CMC, manufacturability, and IP) with implications for Astellas' oncology research strategy and modality capability build.
• Develop structured landscape assessments and foresight reports translating ADC chemistry innovation into opportunity areas, pipeline differentiation, and internal innovation gaps.

External Opportunity Assessment & Strategic Framing:

• Collaborate with External Innovation Partners and Business Development to assess novel ADC platforms and enabling technologies; provide chemistry-led differentiation and feasibility assessments (linker/payload, conjugation, analytics, and developability).
• Lead the development of internal opportunity briefs and evaluation proposals for nonclinical-stage collaborations/partnerships/in-licensing, including key diligence questions, go/no-go criteria, and risk mitigation recommendations.

Collaboration & Influence:

• Act as a trusted advisor to CI&RPM and Oncology Research stakeholders on ADC linker/payload design principles, competitive landscape, and strategic implications.
• Partner with Innovation Intelligence analysts, Research Strategy Leads, PF (e.g., PF-IO/PF-TPD), and cross-functional SMEs (Medicinal Chemistry, Protein Engineering, DMPK, Bioanalysis, Safety, CMC) to ensure chemistry insights inform portfolio and partnering decisions.
• Contribute to the enhancement of intelligence infrastructure (e.g., databases, dashboards, horizon scanning tools, and taxonomies) to systematically track ADC targets, payloads, linkers, conjugation technologies, and differentiating data.

Qualifications:

Required

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in organic/medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, pharmaceutical sciences or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D, with deep expertise in ADC linker/payload chemistry and conjugation technologies (discovery through early development preferred).
• Strong understanding of ADC design trade-offs (cleavable vs non-cleavable linkers, payload classes/MoA, stability/release, DAR control, bystander effect) and how these impact efficacy, safety and PK/PD.
• Ability to critically evaluate data for ADCs (preclinical/clinical, bioanalysis, DMPK, safety) and translate complex datasets and literature into actionable strategy and recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience assessing and differentiating ADC platforms/assets using scientific literature, patents/IP and competitive intelligence; develop decision-ready summaries for leadership.
• Experience supporting external opportunity evaluation and diligence (partnering/in-licensing), including defining key technical questions, risk assessment and go/no-go criteria.
• Proven ability to collaborate with and influence cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Protein Engineering, Bioconjugation/Process Chemistry, DMPK, Bioanalysis, Safety, CMC) in a matrixed organization.
• High digital literacy and familiarity with CI or analytics tools/platforms (databases, dashboards, horizon scanning) to monitor ADC chemistry trends.
• Effective communication skills with ability to convey complex ADC chemistry concepts to both technical and executive audiences.

Salary Range: $168,700 - $241,100 (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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