Senior Research Associate, In vivo Pharmacology

Senior Research Associate, In Vivo Pharmacology

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.

Purpose & Scope

The In Vivo Senior Research Associate is responsible for executing preclinical in vivo studies and generating reliable pharmacology data to support research project decisions. This position provides specialized in vivo expertise that is essential for the successful evaluation and advancement of therapeutic candidates.

Role and Responsibilities

• Execute and support preclinical in vivo oncology and immunotherapy studies using mouse tumor models, including xenograft and syngeneic systems.

• Perform routine animal handling, restraint, health monitoring, and study-related procedures in compliance with approved protocols and animal welfare regulations

• Conduct in vivo procedures including intravenous (IV), intraperitoneal (IP), oral gavage, subcutaneous, and other administration routes as required.

• Perform surgical procedures and tumor implantation to establish and maintain in vivo cancer models.

• Randomize animals into study groups and monitor clinical observations, body weight, and study endpoints.

• Collect biological samples, including blood, tissues, and tumors, and ensure accurate documentation of all study activities in accordance with company SOPs and applicable regulations.

• Apply hands-on expertise in cell culture, ex vivo flow cytometry, and data analysis to support translational and pharmacology studies.

• Ensure full compliance with IACUC, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements governing animal care and use.

• Collaborate effectively with scientists and cross-functional research teams to support preclinical oncology and pharmacology programs.

• Contribute to the generation of high-quality, reliable scientific data that supports project decision-making and advancement of therapeutic candidates.

Required Qualifications

• BS degree in Biology, Pharmacology, Animal Science, or a related scientific discipline with 3yrs of hands-on laboratory experience supporting preclinical in vivo studies or MS degree with minimum 1yr hands-on laboratory experience in pharmaceutical or biotech industry.

• Demonstrated experience with rodent handling techniques, including tumor implantation, animal randomization, and dosing procedures (IV, IP).

• Experience performing in vivo oncology and/or immunology studies, including tumor model establishment and monitoring.

• Hands-on experience with immuno-flow cytometry, ex vivo tissue processing, tissue culture, and related biological sample analyses.

• Knowledge of animal welfare regulations and experience working in compliance with IACUC, institutional, and regulatory requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with additional rodent dosing techniques, including IV, oral gavage (PO), subcutaneous (SC), and other specialized administration routes.

• Proven ability to independently analyze and interpret ex vivo flow cytometry data using FlowJo to support tumor immunology and mechanism-of-action studies.

• Experience supporting oncology, immunology, or pharmacology programs in a drug discovery or translational research environment.

• Familiarity with electronic laboratory and study management platforms such as Benchling, Studylog, GraphPad Prism, and FlowJo.

• Experience with advanced tissue processing, immune profiling, and biomarker analyses.

• Experience working in GLP-regulated or SOP-driven research environments.

• Experience contributing to protocol development, process optimization, or implementation of best practices in in vivo research

Location and Working Environment

• This position is based in South San Francisco, CA, USA and requires on-site work.

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

$82,880-$118,400(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

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Category Cancer Biology

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans