About Astellas
Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new drugs to address diseases with high unmet medical needs by focusing on Biology and Modality. Furthermore, we are also looking beyond our foundational Rx focus to create Rx+® healthcare solutions that combine our expertise and knowledge with cutting-edge technology in different fields of external partners. Through these efforts, Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.astellas.com/en.
Our Values:
Be BOLD (Find a Way)
Care Deeply – for our patients, each other and our work
#GSD (Get Stuff Done)
What is the catalyst for you in your professional career? Are you ready to be a part of a bold, innovative company, to make a change and to make a difference? Listed below is a current opening for a smart, driven, experienced, and just plain nice individual who wants to join us and be a part of our journey.
The Role
Astellas Gene Therapies is seeking an experienced Senior Bioassay Specialist to join the US Method and Tech Transfer group (QC). Reporting to the Director, US Method and Tech Transfer, the Senior Bioassay Specialist will lead the following functions in the Method and Tech Transfer group with respect to regulatory and quality requirements for the Company’s development and production of pre-clinical, clinical, and commercial therapeutics: bioassay test method transfer/qualification/validation testing, bioassay reference material/critical reagent standards and controls programs, assay troubleshooting, and as appropriate, document management and revision. This is a hands-on role that will involve close collaboration with and active support of the Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Regulatory, and Analytical Development groups. This role will be located in our South San Francisco, CA or Sanford, NC manufacturing facility.
Primary Responsibilities
Proficiently execute bioassay techniques such as ELISA and cell-based assays
Serve as the QC single point of contact between transferring and receiving laboratories for laboratory activities associated with new product introduction/transfer.
Coordinate all laboratory readiness activities for incoming Bioassays including training material and SOP creation, initial reagent/supply identification/procurement by partnering with teams including the QC and Analytical development groups
Partner with the South San Francisco QC laboratory, Sanford QC laboratory, and Analytical Development to co-validate/transfer bioassays in support of new product introduction into the Sanford and SSF sites.
Draft transfer, qualification, and validation protocols and reports
Lead bioassay investigations and troubleshooting
Author and manage change controls
Develop subject matter expertise on assigned bioassays
Assist in the preparation and review of CMC regulatory submissions.
Ensure compliance with applicable cGMP regulations, ICH guidelines, and SOPs, and support regulatory audits
About you
Must Have/Required
B.S. degree in biological sciences, cell biology, chemistry, or related field with 5+ years of laboratory experience in a GMP environment
MS in biological sciences, cell biology, chemistry, or related field with 3+ years relevant industry experience or Ph.D. degree with 2+ years of relevant industry experience, preferred.
Experience with cell-based assays including In-Cell Western, ELISA, TCID 50 , etc. is required.
Quality Control and/or Analytical Development experience in the pharmaceutical industry supporting cGMP areas, including method transfers and assay qualification/validation is required.
Experience with method validation deviations, investigations and/or discrepancies
Experience with MasterControl or other EDMS
Good to excellent technical writing skills and verbal communication skills
Excels in a fast-paced team environment, handles multiple tasks concurrently, and in a timely fashion.
Strong interpersonal skills, highly collaborative within a multi-discipline team and contributes to a supportive and positive work environment.
Highly self-motivated and goal oriented
Models our Core Values: Be Bold, Care Deeply, #GetStuffDone – is experienced as someone who exemplifies the culture we want to create; operates with transparency; is
May Have/Preferred
Experience in cGMP gene therapy manufacturing and/or testing facility, preferred.
Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays.
Knowledge of Good Document Practices (GDP)
Experience with LIMS is preferred.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
Salary Range
- 125K - 135K (NOTE: Final salary could be more or less, based on experience)
Benefits:
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation, Sick time, plus national holidays including Heritage Days, and Summer and Winter Breaks
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
#LI-LK1
Category Gene Therapy Research & Technical Operations
Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.
EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans