Principal Scientist, Ophthalmology Research

astellas; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 145,000 - 208,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Astellas in Westborough, MA is seeking a Principal Scientist, Ophthalmology Research to lead in vivo ophthalmology studies and mentor a small team while collaborating across internal and external partners. The role combines bench work with strategic input to drive discovery programs from early development through candidate nomination.

The incumbent will design experiments, interpret data, and contribute to translational strategies, ensuring rigorous scientific and regulatory readiness.

Qualifications

• PhD in Ophthalmology, Neuroscience, Biology, Pharmacology, or related with 8+ years of postdoc/industry experience.
• Deep ophthalmic research expertise and track record advancing programs.
• Hands-on in vivo ophthalmology study design, execution, and interpretation.
• Experience with small molecules, biologics, gene/cell/RNA therapies.
• Technical expertise in ocular imaging, OCT, fundus imaging, ERG, and vision tests.
• Ability to translate data into actionable program decisions and go/no-go calls.
• Proven leadership in matrixed environments and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong publication/patent record and drug discovery contributions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret in vivo ophthalmology studies across indications and modalities.
• Lead bench work while providing scientific leadership to project teams.
• Integrate in vitro and in vivo data to inform program strategy and go/no-go decisions.
• Coordinate collaborations with internal stakeholders, external partners, and CROs.
• Develop translational strategies to advance disease biology and pharmacology understanding.
• Generate preclinical data packages for milestones and regulatory submissions.
• Mentor junior colleagues and foster an inclusive, collaborative team culture.
• Maintain rigorous documentation and communicate findings through reports and presentations.
• Stay current with ophthalmology literature and technology to identify new opportunities.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Data interpretation

Mentoring

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Ophthalmology or related

Tools

OCT

Fundus imaging

ERG

Histology/histopathology

Ocular imaging techniques

Job description

Principal Scientist, Ophthalmology Research

About Astellas

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. Learn more at Astellas.com.

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.

Purpose & Scope

The Principal Scientist, Ophthalmology Research is a scientific leader responsible for designing, executing, and interpreting in vivo ophthalmology research to advance therapeutic programs from discovery through candidate nomination and early development. The incumbent will generate high-quality data that inform strategic program decisions while serving as a key contributor within cross-functional and external collaborations. This is a hands-on laboratory role requiring the scientist to lead from the bench, while mentoring/managing a small team of junior colleagues and fostering a highly collaborative and inclusive broader team environment.

Role and Responsibilities

• Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret in vivo pharmacology studies to evaluate therapeutic candidates across ophthalmology indications and therapeutic modalities.
• Lead from the bench by personally contributing to the execution of in vivo studies while providing technical and scientific leadership to project teams.
• Develop and test hypotheses through integration of available in vitro and in vivo data, generating insights that inform program strategy, candidate selection, and go/no-go decisions.
• Lead and coordinate interdisciplinary research efforts, including collaborations with internal stakeholders, external partners, and contract research organizations, to ensure high-quality and timely execution of studies.
• Design and implement translational research strategies that advance understanding of disease biology, mechanism of action, pharmacology, and therapeutic efficacy.
• Contribute to the generation of preclinical data packages supporting internal program milestones and regulatory submissions to health authorities.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and scientifically rigorous working environment by building strong cross-functional relationships, openly sharing knowledge, mentoring colleagues, and contributing positively to team culture.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and effectively communicate scientific findings internally through presentations, reports, and cross-functional discussions.
• Remain current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and advances in ophthalmology and drug discovery to identify new opportunities and approaches.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Ophthalmology, Neuroscience, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline with 8+ years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry research experience.
• Deep expertise in ophthalmic research, including retinal/ocular disease biology, and a strong track record of advancing scientific programs.
• Significant hands-on experience designing, conducting, and interpreting in vivo ophthalmology studies to support drug discovery, translational research, and/or early development.
• Experience evaluating one or more therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, gene therapies, cell therapies, or RNA-based therapeutics.
• Strong technical expertise in ocular imaging, visual function testing, and histological evaluation of ocular tissues; this includes techniques such as OCT, fundus imaging, ERG, vision-dependent behavior assays (e.g. optomotor response), and retinal histology/histopathology.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop study strategies, solve complex scientific problems, and translate data into actionable program recommendations and go/no-go decisions.
• Proven experience leading scientific programs in a matrixed environment through both direct experimental contributions and scientific leadership.
• Demonstrated scientific achievement through publications, patents, therapeutic program advancement, or contributions to successful drug discovery and development efforts.
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills, with a track record of building productive relationships across functions, mentoring colleagues, and positively contributing to team culture.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across scientific disciplines and organizational levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as a scientific or project leader within multidisciplinary drug discovery teams and mentoring or developing junior scientists (e.g. through managerial experience).
• Experience with intraocular dosing techniques in rodents (e.g. subretinal injection, intravitreal injection, etc.).
• Industry experience advancing ophthalmology therapeutics through drug discovery, translational research, and/or early development.
• Experience generating pharmacology data packages that support regulatory submissions to health authorities (e.g. IND, pre-IND, INTERACT, Type D, etc.).
• Experience with safety evaluation of ocular therapeutics, including structural and functional analyses.

Location and Working Environment

• This position is based in Westborough, MA and requires on-site work.
• The incumbent is expected to lead from the bench through active participation in experimental design, study execution, data analysis, and scientific leadership.
• The role involves collaboration with internal and external stakeholders in a highly collaborative research environment.

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.

Our Organizational Values and Behaviors

Values:

Innovation, Integrity and Impact sit at the heart of what we do.

Behaviors:

We come together as ‘One Astellas’, working with courage and a sense of urgency. We are outcome focused and consistently take accountability for our personal contribution.

Salary Range

$145,460-207,800 (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations.)

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
• 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
• Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
• Referral bonus program

#LI-TR1