Medical Development Head of Emerging Indications, Oncology Clinical Development; Executive Director

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

The Head of Emerging Indications is a senior leader in Oncology Medical Development, reporting to the Head of Oncology Medical Development. This “above-asset” position is accountable for shaping and executing clinical development strategy across emerging disease areas, with a strong focus on enabling enterprise growth through entry into new indications.

The role provides leadership and oversight to multiple Global Medical Leads and drives delivery excellence across a portfolio of early- and late-stage programs. This leader plays a critical role in defining future portfolio direction through disease cluster strategy and active participation in business development activities.

• Define and lead disease cluster strategies to enable entry into new and emerging oncology indications, aligned with enterprise priorities
• Identify and shape opportunity spaces, integrating internal and external insights
• Serve as a key thought partner in portfolio prioritization and long-term disease cluster strategy
• Drive strategic decisions to ensure sustainable portfolio growth and differentiation

• Provide oversight and direction to Global Medical Leads to ensure high-quality, timely execution of clinical programs
• Guide design, review, and governance of clinical study protocols, ensuring scientific rigor, feasibility, and regulatory alignment
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, credible data to support regulatory submissions, publications, and lifecycle strategies
• Embed a culture of accountability, urgency, and excellence in execution across programs
• Ensure optimal resource planning and deployment across the Emerging Indications portfolio

• Ensure integrated, end-to-end development strategies that align with regulatory and commercial objectives through seamless collaboration across Research, Early Development, Clinical Operations, Regulatory, Quantitative Sciences, Safety, Medical Affairs, and Commercial

• Play a key leadership role in evaluation of in-licensing, out-licensing, and partnership opportunities
• Provide Medical Development expertise in due diligence, asset valuation, and integration planning
• Contribute to strategy development for multi-track business development initiatives within Oncology

• Participate/Lead governance forums, providing a strong Medical Development perspective
• Ensure adherence to ICH, GCP, and Astellas policies across all development activities
• Contribute to the establishment and continuous improvement of processes and SOPs

• Advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, or related field
• 8-10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, including significant oncology clinical development experience across phases
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans with accountability and urgency that integrates diverse perspectives
• Demonstrated experience leading global development teams and complex programs
• Proven ability to develop and execute clinical development strategies and regulatory submissions
• Strong cross-functional expertise spanning clinical, regulatory, safety, and commercial considerations
• Experience contributing to or leading business development assessments and due diligence
  
  Established track record in people leadership, talent development, and change management
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly to the common denominator and influence across diverse stakeholders with keen cultural awareness

• MD degree with board certification and clinical oncology practice experience
• Experience in thoracic oncology
• Exposure in related and complimentary functional areas (medical affairs, safety science, etc)
• Experience managing multi-year budgets and resource allocation across complex portfolios

This position is based in Northbrook, IL. Remote work from anywhere in the US is available.

At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with…