Title:  Development Scientist

Astellas’ Global Capability Centres – Overview

Astellas’ Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are strategically located sites that give Astellas the ability to access talent across various functions in the value chain and to co-locate core capabilities that are currently dispersed. Our three GCCs are located in India, Poland and Mexico.

The GCCs will enhance our operational efficiency, resilience and innovation potential, enabling a timely response to changing business demands.

Our GCCs are an integral part of Astellas, guided by our shared values and behaviors, and are critical enablers of the company’s strategic priorities, sustainable growth, and commitment to turn innovative science into VALUE for 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.

Working Environment and Location

This position is based in Mexico City (Santa Fe area) and will require on-site work in a hybrid set up.

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 and Scope

The primary purpose of the Development Scientist will participate in the development of clinical strategies for assigned modalities or indications within the division. This position will work closely with the Global Medical Lead (GML), Operations Lead, and Asset Lead, and Medical Monitor, and is accountable for the design, implementation, monitoring, and analysis of clinical studies conducted within the assigned program. Development Scientists are expected to perform their responsibilities independently and have core knowledge of clinical development to enable increased participation in division and portfolio level initiatives.

Role and Responsibilities

• Responsible and accountable for activities related to all current and planned clinical trials (e.g., develop protocols, investigator brochures, CRFs, informed consents, and clinical study reports and review of clinical trial documents, study analyses, and reporting) on assigned development programs.
• Provides expertise to cross-functional team members to synthesize/contextualize data to facilitate discussion and timely decision making. 
• Serves on the clinical sub-team with GML, Operations Lead, and Medical Monitor/Study Physician and supports preparation of clinical development plans, site identification and management, and DESC meetings.
• Under the guidance  of study physician/med lead, perform medical monitoring activities (Review, analyze and triage patient data, generating reports
• Able to independently lead working groups and/or sub-team initiatives in support of protocol, disease area, or clinical development plan.
• Partners with GML in preparing for Health Authority (HA) Meetings and assists in addressing HA inquiries.
• Together with the GML and Product Responsible Person may prepare analysis for DMC/DSMB/DEC forums or regulatory submissions.
• Provides training at investigator meetings and site initiation visits with clinical trial staff, and partners with Clinical Operations and Medical Affairs in enabling appropriate enrollment into the clinical studies or registries. Collaborates cross-functionally to create, review, and/or present clinical slides for internal meetings and external forums.
• Supports engagement with potential and current sites (e.g. SIVs, investigator meetings, conferences, steering committee, advisory board meetings): early and/or late phase studies

Continue:Role and Responsibilities

• Exhibits expertise related to Study Data Review and Analysis:
  • Provides clinical input into statistical planning, data analysis and interpretation
  • Provides clinical leadership and support for publication of data (manuscripts, presentations) and disease or technology related scientific publications
• Works closely with operations group for site and vendor feasibility, trial set up and monitoring.
• May lead the execution of contracts, particularly for investigator meetings and advisories.
• Supports efforts to develop strategic partnerships with Key External Experts (KEEs)
• Serve as key partner within Development Division in assessment of candidates within discovery, identifying opportunities and potential risks with future development strategies based on modality, indication, unmet need, competitive landscape and clinical characteristics.
• May represent development and assist with clinical assessment for due diligence(s) of new assets for potential in-licensing and acquisition.
• Supports strategic initiatives related to assigned molecule(s), CDP, therapeutic area(s), or portfolio, if requested. 
• Performs other duties as assigned or special projects as needed.

Essential Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline; health science or clinical discipline with typically 7-10 years clinical, scientific/research, or industry related experience or combination of academia and industry.
• Thorough knowledge and demonstrated expertise in biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry related to clinical drug development (early stage development through approval) from initial study design, study execution and regulatory submissions (INDs, BLAs, NDAs) with US and OUS regulatory agencies.
• Experience in scientific research and/or clinical practice (as evidenced by appropriate qualifications, publications and/or relevant accreditations).
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal communication skills; able to interact with all levels of internal stakeholders and key functional areas including, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Clinical Operations, Data Sciences, Research, Translational Science and Pharmacovigilance (PV).
• Demonstrated success working with key external stakeholders (e.g., KEEs, investigators, researchers) including presenting/responding to health authorities.
• Knowledge of global pharmacovigilance standards and guidance documents.
• Comfortable working in a flexible, dynamically changing and (at times) challenging environment.
• Excellent strategic planning, organizational and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, diplomacy and professionalism in all interactions. Highest level of scientific integrity.
• Ability to work independently without significant oversight or instruction to achieve results with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D., PharmD, Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, or other relevant Master’s degree.
• MD, DO
• Strong computer skills including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Teams and MS Project) and in the use of industry-standard software (e.g. electronic data capture systems [RAVE, InForm, etc.]) and proficient in data analysis software (Excel, SigmaPlot, SPSS, R, etc.).
• Experience working in Ophthalmology, Optometry or Vision Science field or in Ophthalmology clinical studies/drug development
• Experience with Ophthalmology clinical trial design and conduct, clinical data monitoring, analysis, and interpretation. Experience with evaluation of ocular imaging and safety and efficacy assessments.
• Knowledge and proficiency related to Medical Affairs activities including registries

Benefits

Careers | Astellas

Why Astellas

• 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. 

Learn more at Astellas.com