Analytical Development Synthetic Molecules Characterization Scientist

USA - 3316 Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda is seeking an Analytical Development Scientist in Cambridge to lead characterization of synthetic molecules, including peptides and PROTACs. You will support transitions from Discovery to development and clinical studies, drive salt/polymorph screening, and develop analytical methods for Drug Substance and Drug Product.

You will partner across Discovery, Safety, DMPK, and Formulation groups, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to regulatory filings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Pharmaceutics or analytical chemistry.
• 8+ years (or 6+ with Master’s) in relevant industry experience.
• Strong understanding of polymorphism and solid-state screening.
• Experience with HPLC, GC, Karl Fischer, and dissolution testing.
• Hands-on experience in multiple analytical techniques in GMP labs.
• Ability to troubleshoot and implement practical solutions.
• Experience in cross-functional teams and knowledge sharing.
• Strong technical writing for internal and regulatory documents.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks within project timelines.
• Experience with peptides/PROTACs is valued.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute studies to define physicochemical properties of development candidates.
• Lead solid-state screening activities including salt and polymorphs.
• Drive physicochemical profiling and analytical method development for Drug Substance and Drug Product.
• Develop fit-for-purpose chromatographic methods for analysis.
• Collaborate across Discovery, Safety, DMPK, Process Chemistry, Formulation Development.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior team members.
• Address project issues and support cross-functional solutions.
• Write technical reports and contribute to regulatory filings.

Skills

Polymorphism

Solid-state analysis

Analytical method development

HPLC

GC

Karl Fischer

Dissolution testing

GMP laboratory

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutics/analytical chemistry

Master's degree in Pharmaceutics/physical organic chemistry

PhD in a relevant discipline

Tools

X-ray powder diffraction

Differential scanning calorimetry

Thermogravimetric analysis

Dynamic vapor sorption

Microscopy

Spectroscopic analysis

Job description

Job Description Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company that will inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as Analytical Development Synthetic Molecules Characterization Scientist in our Cambridge office. At Takeda, we are transforming the pharmaceutical industry through our R&D-driven market leadership and being a values-led company. To do this, we empower our people to realize their potential through life-changing work. We offer stimulating careers, encourage innovation, and strive for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our global teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world. Here, you will be a vital contributor to our inspiring, bold mission.

About the role:

The Scientist Analytical Development – Synthetic Molecules Characterization is responsible for leading scientific and technical work within Analytical Development, with a strong focus on the characterization of synthetic molecules, including peptides and PROTACs. In this role, you will support the transition of novel compounds from Discovery into Development and into first-in-human clinical studies. You will also contribute to ongoing research across the development lifecycle, with emphasis on salt and polymorph screening, solid-state analytics, and analytical method development for Drug Substance and Drug Product.

How you will contribute:

• Independently design, plan, and execute studies to define the physicochemical properties and behavior of new development candidates that support lead candidate selection and downstream Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls development.
• Lead and contribute to solid-state screening activities, including salt and polymorph.
• Drive physicochemical profiling efforts and analytical method development for Drug Substance and Drug Product.
• Develop fit-for-purpose chromatographic methods for analysis.
• Work closely with colleagues in Discovery, Drug Safety, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Process Chemistry, Formulation Development, and Late Phase Analytical Development to support project goals.
• Provide technical leadership within projects and support strategy development across projects and functions.
• Serve as a technical expert and mentor for junior team members when needed.
• Integrate scientific and technical work across functions to address project issues and support solutions.
• Plan and implement resolutions to technical problems and support local technical or process initiatives.
• Author technical reports and contribute to regulatory filings.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutics, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, or a related pharmaceutical science, with 8 or more years of relevant industry experience; or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutics, physical organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, or a related pharmaceutical science, with 6 or more years of relevant industry experience; or PhD in a relevant discipline with no minimum industry experience.

• Strong understanding of polymorphism and solid-state screening techniques.
• Strong understanding of solid-state analytical techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic vapor sorption, microscopy, and spectroscopic analysis.
• Strong understanding of analytical method development, including high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, Karl Fischer, and dissolution testing.
• Hands‑on experience in multiple analytical techniques, along with strong knowledge of analytical theory, and proven ability to work in a Good Manufacturing Practice laboratory setting.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex scientific and technical issues, identify root causes, and implement practical solutions.
• Experience working in highly cross‑functional teams and sharing knowledge across groups.
• Strong technical writing skills for internal documents and regulatory support.
• Ability to organize work, manage priorities, and handle multiple tasks within project timelines.
• Experience working with external vendors and internal resources to support project needs.
• Knowledge of modalities beyond traditional small molecules, such as peptides and PROTACs, and familiarity with in silico predictive tools and modeling is highly valued.

Travel requirement:

May require approximately 5-10% travel.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary:

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location: Boston, MA U.S. Base Salary Range: $116,000.00 - $182,270.00 The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

EEO Statement:

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.

Locations:

Boston, MA

Worker Type:

Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Time Type Full time Job Exempt Yes It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

About Takeda:

Takeda is an industry‑leading, global pharmaceutical company with an unwavering dedication to putting patients at the center of everything we do. We live our values of Takeda-ism – Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance – and are united by our mission to strive towards Better Health and a Brighter Future for people worldwide through leading innovation in medicine. Here, everyone matters and you will be a vital contributor to our inspiring, bold mission. At Takeda, you will make an impact on people’s lives – including your own. Takeda is an equal opportunity employer.