Title:  China External Innovation Lead

Purpose and Scope:

•    The incumbent in this role will have overall responsibility for Search & Evaluation for Innovation Lab assets, technologies and academic partners in China. The incumbent will coordinate asset identification with peer in Business Development who will have the overall responsibility for asset identification in China. Moreover the incumbent will oversee Search and Evaluation for platform technologies and academic partners for all research functions including Oncology Research and Cell and Gene Therapy Units. This is a critical strategic and science leadership role where a strong and experienced leader with strong science background, business acumen, and experience will be important. Specifically this colleague will: 
•    Identify novel assets (primarily pre-clinical) in the areas of interest of Astellas I-Lab (Cardio-renal, Dermatology and Ophthalmology) working closely with Business Development, I-Lab and China R&D colleagues. 
•    Identify and evaluate small molecule, biologics, AI and automation platforms in areas of I-Lab interest As well as Oncology and Cell & Gene Therapy Research. 
•    Build strong network with academic leaders in areas of I-Lab focus.
•    Strong partner in internal discussions on I-Lab and R&D portfolio strategy, and alignment with relevant leaders from the following functions  I-Lab , Oncology & Cell and Gene Therapy Research, China R&D, BD,  and others.
•    Development of Search & Evaluation strategy based on the above.
•    Overall management for due diligence and partner with BD for negotiation of BD deals
•    Partner with BD in management of venture investment activities in areas of interest to I-Lab.
•    Enhancement of Astellas presence in the Chinese biopharmaceutical and academic ecosystem

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

•    Reports to: Head of Innovation Lab and Member of I-Lab LT. 
•    Supervisory Responsibility: initially a single contributor, but position may eventually expand to team of ~ 5
•    Overall responsibility for Search & Evaluation for Innovation Lab assets, technologies and academic partners in China. This is a critical strategic and science leadership role where a strong and experienced leader with strong business acumen, and experience will be important. These will include: 
•    Identifying novel assets (primarily pre-clinical) in the areas of interest of Astellas I-Lab (coordinating closely with BD) 
•    Identify and evaluate small molecule, biologics, AI and automation platforms in areas of I-Lab, Oncology & Cell & Gene Therapy  interest. 
•    Build strong network with academic leaders in areas of I-Lab focus as well as oncology & Cell & Gene Thaerapy Research.
•    Build strong relationship and partnership with potential target companies and academic partners  to better understand the evolution of their assets and/or technology, and make Astellas ready for strategic steps
•     Search and monitor emerging programs and/or data readouts in seeking potential BD targets and propose to the cross functional team to take any action.
•    Conduct initial screening of identified potential opportunities, make contact with target companies, and obtain non-confidential information for initial review
•    Manage deeper evaluation (incl. scientific and technical due diligence), work with BD for development of  term sheets and contracts, and present appropriate information for management approvals including EC/SWIFT processes