Senior Scientist, Antibody Engineering
Astellas Pharma
Summary
The primary focus of this Senior Scientist position is to lead de novo protein / antibody design capability in SSF Antibody Engineering team. The role is responsible for applying AI/ML approaches to optimize the Design-Make-Test-Analysis (DMTA) cycle for discovery-candidates (DC) / candidate nomination (CN), and to support cross-functional collaboration projects in Astellas. Successful candidate will be the interface between computational and experimental sciences with the goal to drive programs faster to the clinic.
Job description
Purpose & Scope
The primary focus of this Senior Scientist position is to lead de novo protein / antibody design capability in SSF Antibody Engineering team. The role is responsible for applying AI/ML approaches to optimize the Design-Make-Test-Analysis (DMTA) cycle for discovery-candidates (DC) / candidate nomination (CN), and to support cross-functional collaboration projects in Astellas. Successful candidate will be the interface between computational and experimental sciences with the goal to drive programs faster to the clinic.
Role and Responsibilities
- Develop and expand SSF Antibody Engineering Team capability in AI/ML-based de novo protein/antibody design and engineering
- Participate in relevant Program Teams, understand the biology behind programs for the designs of antibodies, bispecific antibodies, T-cell engagers (TCEs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), engineered cytokines, and other biologic therapeutics etc.
- Apply computational and data-driven approaches, including Python programming, AI/ML tools, bioinformatics, and in silico protein engineering, to support therapeutic design, sequence analysis, data interpretation, and workflow automation
- Design constructs and assays including BLI, ELISA, cell-based binding/cytotoxicity assays and developability assessment to support molecule selection and optimization
- Integrate experimental data to improve AI/ML models and develop modality-specific AI/ML protein engineering platforms
- Support coordination with CROs and external partners for protein production, analytical characterization, assay execution, and data review
- Contribute to biologics data management system, ELN, technical reports, documentation, invention disclosures, patent applications, and external presentations when appropriate
- Proactively maintain Astellas network/communication of experts in biologics, small molecules, cell and gene therapy and digital / IT / AI drug discovery teams
Required Qualifications
- PhD with 5+ years related industry and/or post-doctoral experience in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Computational Biology and Structural Biology
- Proficiency in Python programming or related scripting tools for biological data analysis, data visualization, workflow automation, and/or integration of computational and experimental datasets.
- Experience with generative AI for protein design, machine learning model development, structural biology tools (PyMOL, Boltz, AlphaFold, Rosetta, etc.)
- Familiarity with cloud computing, database management, and data engineering pipelines.
- Familiarity with different antibody formats, antibody-drug assessment and validation process
- Good practice in data management / recording
- Strong work ethic and collaborative mindset, with demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to support critical team priorities beyond primary project responsibilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate computational and experimental strategies, present complex data, and communicate recommendations to diverse audiences
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience in antibody/protein engineering and characterization
- Knowledge of antibody discovery, affinity maturation, and developability assessment for biologics drug development
- Experience with NGS-based protein engineering datasets
Requirements
- PhD with 5+ years related industry and/or post-doctoral experience in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Computational Biology and Structural Biology
- Proficiency in Python programming or related scripting tools for biological data analysis, data visualization, workflow automation, and/or integration of computational and experimental datasets
- Experience with generative AI for protein design, machine learning model development, structural biology tools (PyMOL, Boltz, AlphaFold, Rosetta, etc.)
- Familiarity with cloud computing, database management, and data engineering pipelines
- Familiarity with different antibody formats, antibody-drug assessment and validation process
- Good practice in data management / recording
- Strong work ethic and collaborative mindset, with demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to support critical team priorities beyond primary project responsibilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate computational and experimental strategies, present complex data, and communicate recommendations to diverse audiences
- Hands-on experience in antibody/protein engineering and characterization
- Knowledge of antibody discovery, affinity maturation, and developability assessment for biologics drug development
- Experience with NGS-based protein engineering datasets
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Generous PTO
- 401(k) Matching
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- Annual Corporate Bonus
- Quarterly Sales Incentive
- Long Term Incentive Plan
- Referral Bonus Program
Company overview
Astellas Pharma Inc. is a leading Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in April 2005 through the merger of Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical (established 1923) and Fujisawa Pharmaceutical (established 1894), Astellas has grown into a global life sciences company with operations in more than 70 countries worldwide. The company employs approximately 14,500 people globally and generates annual revenues exceeding $12 billion. Astellas is committed to turning innovative science into value for patients through transformative therapies in key therapeutic areas including oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology, and women's health. The company's notable products include Xtandi for prostate cancer, Padcev for bladder cancer, Xospata for acute myeloid leukemia, Veozah for menopausal symptoms, and Izervay for geographic atrophy. With a strong focus on research and development, Astellas invests approximately 17% of its sales revenue into pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical needs. The company operates multiple research centers in Japan, the United States, and Europe, and has established strategic partnerships and acquisitions to expand its pipeline and capabilities in areas such as gene therapy and immuno-oncology.