The posting
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 and Scope:
Shape how a global pharmaceutical company adopts AI safely. As AI Security Solutions Lead, you will set the security architecture, standards and guardrails for the AI systems Astellas uses and builds, from copilots and agents to AI supporting research and regulated (GxP) processes, and lead the AI security program as it moves from build into day-to-day operation.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
Scope: Generative AI, AI agents and multi-agent systems, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), AI platforms and APIs, and foundation model integrations, whether bought or built in-house, including GxP-regulated uses.
Architecture & Standards: Own the AI security architecture strategy and roadmap; define AI security standards, guardrails and reference architectures for generative, agentic and RAG systems on Astellas' Microsoft-based AI platforms (e.g., Copilot, Copilot Studio, Azure AI Foundry, Agent 365); and keep them aligned with enterprise security architecture and frameworks such as NIST AI RMF, OWASP Top 10 for LLMs, MITRE ATLAS, ISO 42001 and the EU AI Act.
Design Reviews & Threat Modeling: Lead security architecture reviews and threat modeling for new and high-risk AI solutions; define the design mitigations required; and set the security requirements for the secure AI and agent development lifecycle.
Program Delivery: Drive the AI security program end to end, including bringing AI security monitoring, incident response, threat modeling, red teaming and AI vendor risk capabilities into day-to-day operation by the Astellas team; oversee our implementation partner's Secure AI delivery; set priorities and report progress and AI security posture to leadership.
Emerging Technology: Evaluate new AI technologies, attack techniques and defensive approaches, and advise on AI platform and security tool selection.
Partnership & Leadership: Act as the primary AI security advisor to enterprise and solution architects, AI engineers, data scientists and AI governance; present recommendations to technical leadership and governance bodies; and mentor the AI security engineers and analysts.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering or a related field.
- 10+ years in cybersecurity, including 5+ years in security architecture.
- 2+ years securing AI, machine learning or generative AI systems.
Experience leading cross-functional initiatives with global stakeholders and overseeing external partners or vendors, including leading or mentoring a team.
- Experience designing secure cloud architectures (Azure preferred) and leading architecture reviews and threat modeling.
- Strong understanding of AI/ML architectures, including large language models, agents and RAG.
- Ability to explain complex risk clearly to technical and executive audiences.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Experience in pharmaceutical, life sciences or other regulated industries, including GxP.
· Hands-on experience with Microsoft AI and security platforms (Azure AI Foundry, Copilot Studio, Entra, Defender, Purview, Sentinel).
· Knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks such as SABSA or TOGAF.
· Master's degree in a related field.
· Certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, SABSA, Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100) or an AI governance certification (e.g., IAPP AIGP).
Working Environment:
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
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.
