Astellas is announcing a Scientist -- CAR-T cells opportunity at their South San Francisco, CA (Xyphos) site .

Astellas Pharma is a global 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 .

Our South San Francisco site (Xyphos) is developing a novel adoptive cell therapy technology platform and building a pipeline of innovative products. We are a rapidly growing team of research and scientific professionals, passionate about turning science and innovation into medical solutions through our cell therapy technology platform. Join our team of committed and enthusiastic professionals devoted to making the most effective, life-saving cell therapy products in the world.

Purpose:

The Scientist will contribute to cutting-edge discovery research in adaptive cell therapy field to bring novel oncology treatments to clinic.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Performs hypothesis-driven research in a fast-paced work environment to develop more potent adoptive cell therapies

• Designs and executes immunology and immuno-oncology assays to evaluate CAR-T cell and CAR-NK cell products

• Contributes to implementation of convertibleCAR platform for different targets and modalities

• Articulates experimental plans, presents research findings in meetings, works effectively in a cross-functional team, and collaborates with other members of Astellas R&D teams

• Strong team-oriented mentality exemplified by willingness to take on tasks and responsibilities as needed to facilitate advancement of a wide variety of programs

• Actively contribute to scientific discussions through reading of scientific literature, hypothesis formation, and becoming a subject matter expert to maximally support projects and champion their continued progress or drive quickly to go/no-go decisions

Qualifications:

Required

• PhD, MS,BS, in immunology, immuno-oncology, cancer biology, or closely related field with 8+ (BS), 6+ (MS), or 0-3 years of industry and/or post-doctoral experience

• Strong background in T cell and/or NK cell biology

• Understanding of tumor micro-environment and its impact on efficacy of adoptive cell therapies

• Hands-on experience in multi-parameter flow cytometry (5+ channels), and immune cell functional assays with readouts for cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine secretion, activation

• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g. FlowJo, GraphPad)

• Demonstrated excellence in critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Working independently in the lab, attention to detail in experimentation

• Strong work ethic with a passion for working in a fast-paced, dynamic, and diverse work environment

• Ability to maintain highly detailed, accurate, and timely records of experimental designs, results, and data analysis

• Candidates must be authorized to work in the US.

Preferred

• Industry experience (work, post-doc, internship), especially in adoptive cell therapy field

• Serial cytotoxicity assays (Incucyte or similar)

• Experience with sample preparation and data analyses for transcriptomic and/or epigenetic profiling (NanoString, RNASeq, ATACSeq)

• Experience in engineering immune cells -- lentiviral transduction or other forms of gene delivery, e.g. CRISPR, transposon, nanoparticle, and RNP-mediated deliveries

• Familiarity with antibody drug candidate assessment

• Hands-on experience with multiplex cytokine measurement methods or ELISA

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

• Referral bonus program

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Category Research and Development

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans