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Astellas Pharma

Global pharma advancing oncology, gene therapy

Drug Substance Lead - Multiple Teams

Bioprocess & BiomanufacturingConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeTsukuba, Ibaraki, JapanIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • A Master's degree in a relevant scientific field and experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
  • Advanced expertise and a strong track record in downstream process development for biologics, including monoclonal antibodies.
  • Experience leading technology transfer to internal or external manufacturing sites from early development through commercialization, or equivalent knowledge and accomplishments.
  • Experience leading downstream process development or overall drug substance process development within cross-functional biologics project teams, and driving CMC strategy development and execution with diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong knowledge of CMC development, including control strategies, process characterization, and regulatory submissions such as IND and BLA.
  • Business-level English communication skills and experience leading technical or strategic discussions in global cross-functional teams.
  • Leadership and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and proactively while contributing to talent development, organizational capability building, or functional strategy execution.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as Drug Substance Lead for biologics projects, including monoclonal antibodies, by leading CMC strategy and plan development and execution, and driving project objectives in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Lead downstream process development, including purification and ADC process development, technology transfer, and commercialization-related activities, providing scientific and technical leadership across development stages.
  • Lead preparation of regulatory submission documents such as IND and BLA filings, responses to regulatory authorities, and resolution of critical technical challenges.
  • Provide strategic direction and technical solutions for complex technical challenges based on advanced process and biological knowledge, lead stakeholders, and drive scientific and strategic decision-making.
  • Drive evaluation and implementation of innovative downstream bioprocess technologies with internal and external partners to enhance organizational capabilities and competitiveness.
  • Coach and mentor team members, lead team activities, and foster technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and organizational capability building.
  • Contribute to laboratory operations by driving continuous improvement of business processes, talent development, resource optimization, and a culture of collaboration and innovation.
  • Contribute, as appropriate, to strategic initiatives across the laboratory and broader organization, and demonstrate leadership across functions and organizational boundaries.
  • Attend early-morning or late-night meetings with global stakeholders as needed; these meetings may be attended from home.
  • Travel to manufacturing sites as required to provide on-site support and participate in person-in-plant activities.

Desired Qualifications

  • A Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field.
  • Experience in process validation, commercial manufacturing readiness, or regulatory submissions such as BLA or MAA for biologics.
  • Experience leading key technical strategies or drug substance development activities in global development projects.
  • Knowledge of multiple modalities, such as bispecific antibodies, ADCs, and AAVs, and their downstream processing requirements.
  • Demonstrated experience evaluating and implementing innovative technologies, applying digital technologies, or driving innovation initiatives.
  • Experience leading talent development, organizational capability building, or cross-functional initiatives.
  • A track record of external scientific engagement through conference presentations, scientific publications, or participation in industry forums.

About the Company

Astellas Pharma

Global pharma advancing oncology, gene therapy

Astellas develops medicines for diseases with high unmet medical needs, focusing on oncology, urology, nephrology, and ophthalmology. It uses precision medicine and next-generation modalities such as targeted protein degradation, cell and gene therapies, and immuno-oncology to treat complex diseases. Its Focus Area Approach lets it rapidly reallocate resources to promising breakthroughs, and it collaborates openly through innovation hubs and venture investments. Its goal is to translate science into life-changing therapies and expand global patient access while pursuing ESG commitments and a net-zero supply chain.

Company size
10,001+
Company stage
IPO
Headquarters
Tokyo, Japan
Founded
1894

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