Scientist I, Cell Therapy Editing Strategy and Analytics

Astellas Pharma; Westborough (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) match

Life Insurance

Bonus Program

Company car

Job summary

Astellas Pharma is seeking a Scientist I, Cell Therapy Editing Strategy and Analytics, for its Westborough, MA location. This laboratory-based role focuses on developing editing strategies for cell therapies and coordinating cross-functional programs to ensure timely delivery of edited cells for programs across indications.

The candidate will design, optimize, and assess gene editing, cloning, and analytical assays, while mentoring junior team members and staying current with literature.

Qualifications

• BS Degree with 8+ years / MS with 6+ years / PhD with 0-2 years of hands-on lab experience.
• Strong background in aseptic mammalian cell culture and gene editing design.
• Experience with molecular cloning and DNA donor template design.
• Familiarity with cell and gene therapy landscape.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute gene-editing of pluripotent stem cells for cell therapy applications.
• Evaluate and advance cutting-edge gene editing technologies and assays.
• Collect, analyze, troubleshoot, and interpret data with scientific rigor.
• Collaborate across teams to meet internal milestones and deliverables.
• Communicate results through presentations and technical documentation.

Skills

Cell culture

CRISPR

Genome editing

Data analysis

Education

BS/MS/PhD with laboratory experience

Tools

qPCR

ddPCR

Flow cytometry

Job description

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.

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 primary purpose of Scientist I, Cell Therapy Editing Strategy and Analytics is to provide scientific expertise from the bench to enhance gene editing capabilities for the Cell Therapy Editing Team at AIRM. This role will work cross-functionally as part of a team planning and executing Process Development activities and develop editing strategies and processes for cell therapies across Astellas Primary Focus indications. This is a laboratory-based role in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for bringing cutting edge technologies to ensure efficient operation and on-time delivery of edited cells to ensure program timelines.

Role And Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex and novel gene-editing of pluripotent stem cells to develop strategies compatible with controlled cell therapy manufacturing applications and generate representative clones for downstream teams
• Lead efforts to evaluate and improve new cutting-edge gene editing technologies, develop genome engineering designs and molecular and cellular assays for characterization of edited cells
• Perform data collection, analysis, troubleshooting and interpretation with a high degree of scientific rigor
• Demonstrates understanding of process development, proactively identifies challenges and proposes solutions to management in a timely manner.
• Work cross-functionally, including project teams, to contribute to internal milestone achievements and generation of key deliverables
• Communicate results in both oral and written formats by participating regularly in team meeting preparations and presentations, including cross-functional team meetings
• Support preparation and review of technical slide decks, reports, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regulatory filings and tech transfer
• Ensure smooth day-to-day operations, including on the weekends
• Perform other duties as assigned or special projects as needed
• Stay up to date on literature and mentor junior members

Required Qualifications

• BS Degree with 8+ years / MS Degree with 6+ years / Ph.D. with 0-2 years of relevant hands‑on laboratory experience.
• Solid technical background in aseptic mammalian cell culture, gene editing design and process optimization using CRISPR and other cutting edge genome editing tools
• Expertise in molecular cloning and DNA donor template design and software, analytical techniques to evaluate the editing outcome (qPCR, ddPCR, Flow cytometry etc.).
• Strong work ethic, adaptability and willingness to learn in a fast‑paced, dynamic, and diverse work environment; work effectively both independently and in collaboration with other teams
• Strong organizational, time management, and trouble shooting skills with scientific attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent record keeping, ability to write and follow established SOPs
• Familiarity with cell and gene therapy landscape

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with tech transfer to other departments and sites
• Experience with product development
• Strong background in immunology
• Experience managing junior team members

Location and Working Environment

This position is based at AIRM in Westboro, MA and is a primarily on‑site laboratory-based position.

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

$94,570-$135,100 (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

Category Cell Therapy Analytical and Process Readiness

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

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans