Medical Development Head of Emerging Indications, Oncology Clinical Development (Executive Director)

About Astellas

Astellis is a global life sciences company dedicated to transforming innovative science into value for patients. They provide transformative therapies in areas such as oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology, and women's health. Through their research and development efforts, they are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical needs. Learn more at Astellis.com.

Purpose and Scope

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.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• 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

• Cross-functional, end-to-end leadership and integration

• 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

• Contribute to strategy development for multi-track business development initiatives within Oncology

• Governance, Compliance, and Operational Excellence

• 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

Required Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Location and Working Environment

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 Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.

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.

• 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

• Innovation, Integrity and Impact sit at the heart of what we do.

• 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

$228,095 - $325,850 (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