Scientist I, Antibody Engineering
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.
Astellas is announcing a Scientist I, Antibody Engineering opportunity at the Xyphos affiliate at the Astellas West Coast Innovation and Research Center in South San Francisco, CA.
Purpose & Scope
We are seeking a talented Scientist to join our Antibody Engineering team in South San Francisco. This role will contribute to the design, molecular biology, purification and characterization of next-generation biologics, with a focus on innovative platform technology development for oncology programs.
Role and Responsibilities:
- Lead antibody and protein production by performing purification of mAbs, bi-/multi-specific antibodies, and Fc fusion proteins at various scales using CHO and 293 cell lines
- Perform QC and characterize recombinant antibodies and proteins from both internal and external sources; summarize results and present to project teams
- Act as a technical lead for maintaining priority work and troubleshooting production issues
- Plan and coordinate internal and external production activities and communicate with key stakeholders regularly
Required Qualifications
- PhD with 0-2 years, MS with 4+ years, or BS with 6+ years of related experience in protein sciences team
- Extensive experience in purification of mAbs, bi-/multi-specific antibodies, and Fc-fusion proteins using AKTA FPLC by protein A/G, IMAC, HIC, IEX, SEC chromatography methods
- Experience in protein characterization techniques, such as analytical SEC, HIC, cIEF, CE-SDS/SDS-PAGE, DSF, and endotoxin testing
- Demonstrated ability to conceive and design experiments, develop and optimize protocols/assays, and interpret experimental results
- Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and ability to effectively collaborate with other teams; collegiality is a critical attribute
- Diligence and meticulous attention to detail in experimentation and ELN record keeping
- Strong work ethic, good team player, willingness to fill gaps, demonstrated flexibility/adaptability to meet critical research related timelines
- Collaborative mindset to work with global team members
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiencies in molecular biology techniques, including DNA construct design, PCR, DNA purification and molecular cloning
- Prior experience in SPR/BLI and/or mass spectrometry
- Knowledge of conditional activation: e.g. masking technologies, tumor-specific activation or payload delivery
Working Environment:
- This position is based in the Astellas West Coast Innovation and Research Center and will require on-site work in a laboratory setting with R&D teams.
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
#LI-TR1
Skills Required
- PhD with 0-2 years, MS with 4+ years, or BS with 6+ years of related experience in protein sciences team
- Extensive experience in purification of mAbs, bi-/multi-specific antibodies, and Fc-fusion proteins using AKTA FPLC
- Experience in protein characterization techniques
- Demonstrated ability to conceive and design experiments and interpret results
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively
Astellas Pharma Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Astellas Pharma and has not been reviewed or approved by Astellas Pharma.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits include both a company match and an additional employer contribution, positioning the savings plan as notably generous. Complementary financial supports such as a dedicated wellness allowance reinforce long-term financial security.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental and family care leave, inclusive fertility and adoption assistance, and backup care resources signal a comprehensive, caregiver-friendly approach. Programs are framed to support diverse family-forming paths and ongoing caregiving needs.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — A wide array of holidays, sick time, volunteer days, and extended disability income protection expands flexibility for time away. Immediate eligibility and broad coverage help employees access these supports without delay.
Astellas Pharma Insights
What We Do
At Astellas, we strive to be a cutting-edge, value-driven life science innovator. This means working at the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into the best outcomes for patients. Operating in approximately 70 countries with more than 14,000 employees, we are relentless in our pursuit of scientific progress and in tackling unmet medical needs. Visit our Global Astellas LinkedIn Community Guidelines to learn more about interacting with this page: https://www.astellas.com/en/global-linkedin-community-guidelines
