Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist - PRC PD

Do you want to be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients? Every day, we are driven to develop and deliver innovative and effective new medicines to patients and physicians. If you want to be part of this exciting work, you belong at Astellas!

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a 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 .

Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine (AIRM) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc and focused on the development and commercialization of stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies. Astellas is an R&D-driven global pharmaceutical company whose philosophy is to contribute to the improvement of people's heath around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products.

AIRM has a world-class R&D team, and is pursuing a diverse range of disease indications, ranging from macular degeneration (currently in clinical trials) and other ocular indications to vascular and autoimmune disease. AIRM's intellectual property portfolio includes pluripotent stem cell platforms - both embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells as well as other cell-based therapy research programs. AIRM is headquartered in Massachusetts.

Astellas is announcing a Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist - PRC PD opportunity at their Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine (AIRM) site in Westborough, MA.

Purpose:

Establishes and defines technical objectives of programs plans the execution of efforts and performs experiments to meet objectives. Applies expertise and breadth of knowledge to ongoing research and development of new project proposals. Plans and directs laboratory R&D activities by assessing underlying technical and conceptual risks and defining approaches and methodologies, which are innovative and creative in order to achieve goals. Initiates projects that have risk such as development of novel technologies or application of individual expertise to new areas. Maintains broad knowledge of state of the art principles and theory. Takes leadership role contributing to scientific literature and conferences and builds respect within the company

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Maintains pluripotent stem cell (PSC) lines and routinely perform differentiation into retinal neurons

Performs neuronal differentiations and/or neuronal tissue culture. Maintaining neuronal differentiations long term (3+ months).

Performs experiments for overexpression of transcription factors or chemically induced neuronal differentiations

Produces, handles, and infects cells with Lentivirus or Adenovirus

Develops and adheres to SOPs and workflows with proper documentation

Optimizes procedures, as needed, and effectively troubleshoots technical issues

Works independently and within a team environment to meet personal and team objectives

Effectively participates in cross functional collaborations and demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills

Stays up to date on relevant literature, contribute to scientific discussions, and present results to other team members.

Quantitative Dimensions:

Consistently completes work in accordance with expected deadlines and does so with minimal supervision

Effectively plans for, procures, and manages reagents and supplies to enable successful execution of individual experiments within constraints of stated budgets

Consistently achieves criteria needed to meet individual business objectives

Manages own projects effectively and proactively adjusts work plans to support evolving business needs, priorities, and timelines

Organizational Context:

Reports to: Director

Will work with other ocular teams and collaborate with other members of a multidisciplinary team to advance pipeline products

Qualifications:

Required:

A PhD in stem cell biology, developmental biology, cell biology, neuroscience, bio fabrication, or related biological life sciences with 5+ years of research experience. Exceptional candidates with a master’s degree with 8+ year’s stem cell research experience may also be considered.

2+ year’s lab experience with human pluripotent stem cells

Attention to details and careful record-keeping

Versatility and willingness to learn new skills

Excellent and effective organizational, oral/written communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively, efficiently, and flexibly in a team setting with a variety of personnel including PhD/MS level researchers and academic collaborators

Ability to identify and solve problems promptly and effectively

Preferred:

Lab experience with Retina-focused projects

Experience with pipeline development, next generation sequencing, single cell RNA-seq, or epigenetics

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

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Category IRM-Research

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans