Senior Research Associate, Discovery, Frontier 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.
Location and Working Environment
- This position is hybrid and will require you to be onsite 4 days per week in Cambridge, UK.
- Participation in meetings scheduled for early mornings and late nights would be regularly required due to cooperation with teams in other time zones.
- Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines Statement - At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.
Purpose & Scope
- The primary focus of this position is to conduct high quality bench research and to perform in vitro and/or in vivo assays that will contribute to our drug discovery efforts. This individual will work with the team to ensure program goals under the close communication with internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the individual will plan and perform in vitro/in vivo studies to obtain key data for the program milestones. Responsibilities will also include development and evaluation of in vitro/in vivo studies.
Role and Responsibilities
This position is directly impacting your ability to prosecuting company goals of maintaining an early-stage pipeline of potential drug candidates. The measures of success are involving advancing new targets through successive stages of the drug discovery pipeline.
Their components are:
- Efficiently and competently executing lab work designed for advancing early-stage projects.
- Being accountable for maintaining timeliness and ensuring quality in your own scientific workload.
- Being accountable for ensuring integrity of data generated for scientific projects.
- Acting as a role model by adhering to team policies, procedures, and guidelines, while keeping behavioural guidelines in mind.
- Accurately interpreting experimental data, performing statistical analyses, formulating conclusions, and communicating findings with colleagues.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of experimental data.
- Presenting data at regular internal meetings.
- Reporting to your Manager and Program lead.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree (BS), Masters degree (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in relevant scientific field that provides knowledge of theories, principles and concepts within biological sciences or equivalent
- Proficiency in cell handling and tissue culture techniques.
- Background in oncology drug discovery research, including DNA, RNA, and protein-related methodologies.
- Competence in designing, developing, and executing wide range of in vitro assays.
- Demonstrated experience in assay development, particularly for novel entities or targets.
- In-depth understanding of pharmacology, particularly in non-clinical drug discovery research settings.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Strong organisational, time management, and problem-solving skills with scientific attention to detail.
- Able to work productively and to participate in a highly creative and fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- General knowledge of drug discovery processes solid industry experience, particularly in a pharmaceutical or biotech company setting.
- Experience as a researcher at a CRO will be considered.
- Drug discovery experience in oncology.
- Experience with molecules inducing selective intracellular proteolysis is particularly preferred.
- Experience with molecular biology techniques.
- Candidates with experience in antibody research, synthetic biology, or protein engineering will be a plus.
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
- Impact
- Innovation
- Integrity
- One Astellas
- Accountability
- Courage
- Sense of Urgency
- Outcome Focus
Benefits
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Beware of recruitment scams impersonating Astellas recruiters or representatives. Authentic communication will only originate from an official Astellas LinkedIn profile or a verified company email address. If you encounter a fake profile or anything suspicious, report it promptly to LinkedIn's support team through LinkedIn Help.
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