Development Scientist

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.

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.

This position reports to the Global Clinical Development Lead for Biopharma and Ophthalmology Development. This position follows our hybrid working model and requires a blend of home and a minimum of 1 day per quarter at Bourne office, UK. Flexibility may be required in line with business needs. Candidates must be located within a commutable distance of the office.

At Astellas we recognise 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 optimise the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver.

Purpose & 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, analyse 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 enrolment 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).
• 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.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline; health science or clinical discipline with extensive 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 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.).
• 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.
• Able to travel ~25%, with international travel at times.

Preferred Experience / Qualifications

• Ph.D., PharmD, Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, or other relevant Master’s degree.
• MD, DO.
• 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.

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.

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.

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