Head, Innate Immunity & Cancer Cell Death Biology

Head, Innate Immunity & Cancer Cell Death Biology

Head, Innate Immunity & Cancer Cell Death Biology

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

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

Following the success of PADCEV, Astellas is actively advancing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates, including innovative modalities such as the ASP
2988 dual-payload ADC. Reporting to the Head, Cancer Biology, the Head, Innate Immunity & Cancer Cell Death Biology provides global scientific and strategic leadership to identify, prioritize, and translate disease and biological insights into differentiated ADC product concepts and research strategies. The role also leads and develops a diverse global research organization, fostering scientific excellence, talent growth, and disciplined execution to ensure that deep understanding of disease biology, cancer cell death mechanisms, and patient needs is effectively integrated with Astellas' ADC platforms and capabilities to deliver transformative therapies for cancer patients.

Role and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Cancer Biology leadership team and help shape, communicate, and execute the vision and priorities of Oncology Research in close collaboration with other sub-functions.
• Partner closely with Oncology Research strategy teams to establish disease- and biology-informed ADC strategies with explicit priorities, decision points, and resource implications.
• Bring an integrated product architecture perspective to determine how target biology, antibody format, epitope, linker, payload, drug-to-antibody ratio, and combination strategy should work together as an ADC product.
• Translate deep understanding of disease biology, patient segments, resistance mechanisms, and treatment context into differentiated product concepts and executable research plans.
• Maintain an end-to-end perspective from target and concept incubation through translational strategy, biomarker development, clinical candidate selection, and clinical proof of concept.
• Initiate and oversee external collaborations with academic institutions, biotechnology companies, scientific advisors, and vendors when external innovation can strengthen the portfolio.

Scientific Leadership & Oversight

• Scientifically define the intended ADC product profile by applying emerging antibody concepts, including bispecific and biparatopic formats, to address specific biological and clinical hypotheses.
• Work closely with Biologics Engineering and other modality teams to incorporate state-of-the-art antibody engineering, linker technologies, conjugation approaches, and develop ability considerations into ADC products.
• Propose and prioritize novel payloads based on a clear biological rationale, including mechanisms linked to cancer cell death, innate immune activation, tumor context, resistance, and therapeutic window.
• Go beyond expertise in individual ADC components by integrating them into a coherent product design capable of delivering differentiated and clinically meaningful patient value.
• Guide experimental design and data interpretation across in vitro, in vivo, translational, and biomarker studies, ensuring that studies test the most critical assumptions and enable timely decisions.
• Establish rigorous criteria for program initiation, progression, redesign, and termination, and ensure a sustainable flow of high-quality candidate nomination and IND-enabling opportunities.
• Monitor external scientific and competitive developments and translate relevant advances into portfolio choices, research priorities, and new program concepts.
• Lead and develop a cross-site biology organization of approximately 20-25 scientists and research leaders across Tsukuba (Japan) and SSF (US), fostering strong collaboration, talent development, and alignment of research priorities across locations.
• Lead, hire, develop, coach, and manage the…