External Innovation Partner, Oncology Research Intelligence
Location
United States
Posted
1 day ago
Salary
$170.5K - $243.5K / year
Seniority
Mid Level
No structured requirement data.
Job Description
External Innovation Partner, Oncology Research Intelligence
Astellas Pharma
Role Description The External Innovation Partner, Oncology Research - Targeted Protein Degradation & Induced Proximity is a scientific leadership role that serves as an External Catalyst, connecting Astellas Oncology Research with leading external innovation ecosystems in targeted protein degradation, induced proximity, and degrader-conjugate science. This role proactively identifies, evaluates, and shapes external opportunities across: - PROTACs - Molecular glues - Monovalent/direct degraders - Degrader platforms - E3/UPS biology including CRBN, VHL, and novel E3 ligases - Target engagement - Proteomics/chemoproteomics - Structural and computational degrader design - Degrader Antibody Conjugates (DACs) - Next-generation induced-proximity technologies such as RIPTAC and TCIP - Other oncology-relevant targeted-delivery or induced-proximity modalities The role translates external scientific signals into research hypotheses, differentiation logic, critical-assumption questions, and scientific assessments that guide research strategy and support BD-led partnership discussions in close collaboration with internal research leaders. Responsibilities and Accountabilities - External Ecosystem Engagement & Catalytic Scouting: - Build trusted access to academic investigators, KOLs/KEEs, biotech founders, incubators, investors, CROs, tech-transfer offices, venture creation groups, and scientific consortia focused on TPD, induced proximity, oncology chemical biology, proteomics, and degrader-conjugate science. - Prioritize engagement with leading innovation ecosystems and global centers of excellence in degrader science, induced proximity, oncology research, chemical proteomics, and DAC/degrader-conjugate technologies. - Represent Astellas Oncology Research at major scientific conferences, innovation forums, targeted partnering events, and academic meetings to uncover early-stage opportunities before they become broadly visible. - Actively track scientific and company activity across PROTACs, molecular glues, monovalent/direct degraders, novel E3 ligase recruiters, CRBN/VHL biology, target engagement, proteomics/chemoproteomics, next-generation induced-proximity technologies such as RIPTAC and TCIP, and DACs. - Maintain dynamic hub heatmaps, KEE maps, company/platform landscapes, and opportunity pipelines that enable rapid triage and high-quality internal decision-making. - Scientific Opportunity Identification & Strategic Insight: - Identify high-impact external science, platform technologies, targets, mechanisms, and translational capabilities with potential relevance to Astellas oncology research priorities and future portfolio options. - Assess TPD and induced-proximity opportunities based on target biology, degradability, modality fit, E3/UPS strategy, mechanism of action, target engagement, proteomic selectivity, cellular pharmacology, DMPK/PK-PD, differentiation, competitive positioning, and development risk. - Evaluate platform-partnership opportunities for scientific maturity, scalability, target-ligase knowledge, assay/model access, reproducibility, IP/FTO considerations, and potential to unlock difficult-to-drug or previously inaccessible oncology targets. - For DAC or degrader-conjugate opportunities, assess tumor antigen selection, internalization/trafficking biology, targeting vehicle properties, linker-payload strategy, degrader payload mechanism, degradation readouts, tumor selectivity, safety liabilities, and fit with Astellas capabilities. - Translate early-stage innovation signals into strategic insights that support research prioritization, portfolio planning, and exploratory evaluation of external opportunities. - Cross-Functional Collaboration & Knowledge Integration: - Collaborate closely with Research Strategy Leads, Modality Intelligence Leads, Innovation Intelligence Analysts, and other subject-matter experts to ensure insights are shared and acted upon. - Support BD-led opportunity evaluation in collaboration with Business Development and relevant embedded partners by providing scientific framing, diligence questions, data-package interpretation, and strategic context. - Contribute to the development of intelligence infrastructure and best practices for horizon scanning, opportunity mapping, and external engagement across CI & RPM. Qualifications - Advanced degree (PhD, MD, MBA, or equivalent) in Oncology, Life Sciences, or a related field. - Minimum 8 years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D, external innovation, academic collaboration, or scientific partnering. - Strong understanding of oncology drug discovery, translational science, and modality platforms (e.g., next gen ADCs, engineered biologics, engineered small molecules). - Proven ability to engage with scientific leaders and navigate early-stage biotech and academic ecosystems. - Excellent communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex scientific information into strategic insights. - Prior experience in academic liaison, external innovation, or strategic scouting in pharma/biotech or venture ecosystems. - Familiarity with CI platforms, digital literature monitoring tools, and academic/biotech databases. - A strong network in academia or biotech focused on oncology. - Experience in competitive intelligence, scientific scouting, or innovation strategy within oncology. - Familiarity with academic-industry collaboration models and consortia-based innovation. - High digital literacy and comfort with landscape analytics, scientific intelligence platforms, and conference tracking tools. 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
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