Pharmacovigilance Scientist (Associate Director)

Astellas Pharma Inc.; Markham; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global pharmaceuticals company is seeking a PV Scientist to support safety monitoring of products, engage in audits, and collaborate in a dynamic environment. Candidates should have a health sciences degree and at least two years of relevant experience. Proficiency in technology and strong communication skills are essential for success in this role.

Benefits

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Generous Paid Time Off

401(k) match

Company paid life insurance

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in PV or associated fields.
• Understanding of ICH / FDA regulations.
• Proficiency in English, both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Assist in medical-scientific monitoring and assessment of safety profiles.
• Support audits and inspections, ensuring compliance.
• Prepare AOSE reports for IND submissions.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Safety surveillance analysis

Communication

Technology proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in health sciences

Tools

Windows

MS Teams

SharePoint

Excel

Job description

Responsibilities

As a key member of the PV Product Responsible team for his/her assigned products, and under the close supervision of the [Associate] Medical Director-level Product Responsible Person (PRP) the PV Scientist (PVS) will:

• Assist the PRP in coordinating medical‑scientific monitoring and assessment of the safety profile of one or more Astellas products.
• Assist the PRP with the preparation of meeting materials/presentations for cross‑functional meetings such as but not limited to:
  • Product Responsible Teams
  • Core Clinical Development and Core Medical Teams
  • Global Development Safety Management Teams
  • Joint Safety Management Teams
  • Core Teams (Extended)
  • Global Medical Affairs Core Medical Team
• The PVS may also, as requested, attend these meetings with the PRP.
• Support the PRP in audits/inspections and/or CAPA commitments.
• Draft revisions of RSI section and expected events list for the IB in conjunction with risk evaluation during DSUR preparation and/or signal evaluations.
• Draft revisions of RSI section and expected events list for the IB in conjunction with risk evaluation during DSUR preparation and/or signal evaluations.
• Provide guidance and support to Medical Writing vendor staff, in partnership with the PRP, in developing key deliverables by actively participating in working sessions to create timely deliverables, share perspectives, and suggest improvements.
• In collaboration with the PRP, support vendors in the preparation of signal and risk evaluation discussion sections of PSUR, DSUR and PADERs.
• Responsible for the preparation of AOSE reports for IND SUSAR submission to the FDA.
• Ensure the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of all assigned responsibilities and tasks.
• Assist with data requests, document preparation and/or review of data.
• If requested, support the Project Coordinator with activities such as meeting scheduling, meeting minutes, and tracking of adherence to deliverables.
• Support the PRP in the development of the initial safety surveillance development strategy and leading subsequent updates to this strategy.
• Perform the first level safety signal detection and signal evaluation activities (e.g., safety database and literature review, health authority queries) for Astellas products, and finalize these assessments in conjunction with the PRP.
• Support the PRP in driving projects forward by active participation within a global matrix.

The PRP owns the strategic priorities and drives implementation, while the PVS supports and contributes as necessary applying knowledge of therapeutic area, regulatory science, and signal surveillance to manage characterization of the compound/product safety & benefit-risk profile.

Quantitative Dimensions

PV Scientists support Astellas-sponsored clinical trials and post‑marketing studies by performing their assigned tasks, assisting the PRP in assessing the benefit‑risk of the products. Lack of accuracy, quality, and timeliness may negatively impact product success and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

Organizational Context

This position is a new position within the PV Medical Safety Science function and within the Medical Safety Analyses sub‑function. The position reports to the Head of the Medical Safety Analyses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with related health science background preferred or clinical pharmacy experience strongly preferred. Candidates lacking the preferred experience or appropriate Bachelor’s degree but with previous pharma experience may be considered.
• At least two years PV experience or associated field (i.e., regulatory, clinical development, medical affairs), or relevant clinical practice (e.g., pharma/ post‑pharma fellowship) experience preferred, but not required.
• Understanding of ICH / FDA regulations and guidelines affecting drug safety issues.
• General understanding of safety signaling activities.
• Competence in safety surveillance analysis and presentation, both orally and in writing.
• Must be proficient with technology (Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). Proficiency in MS Teams and SharePoint desired.
• Proficiency in English language, both oral and written, to support working in global environment.
• Ability to communicate and present ideas both orally and in writing.

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