Associate Scientist, Global Sample Management

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda is seeking a Research Associate Scientist to support discovery and development by conducting scientific research and testing of materials, and by developing theories on properties under various conditions. You will design and execute biologics characterization experiments, prepare samples with automation systems, and ensure data integrity and traceability across the sample lifecycle.

Collaboration across R&D will drive continuous improvement and reliable supply of research materials.

Qualifications

• MS or BS with years of relevant experience in biology, automation, or related fields.
• Experience designing workflows for robotic sample storage and liquid-handling systems.
• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction and PCR basics.
• Knowledge of cell culture techniques under supervision.
• In-depth knowledge of sample management processes, data integrity, and traceability.
• Experience integrating automation platforms with scheduling and data management.
• Strong cross-functional communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, execute, analyze, and report basic and complex biologics characterization experiments.
• Prepare research samples using storage, liquid-handling, and automation systems.
• Serve as a technical resource for sample management LIMS and related workflows.
• Ensure integrity, accuracy, and traceability of compounds/samples before LIMS registration.
• Coordinate plate preparation and aliquoting for timely availability of research samples.
• Troubleshoot complex automation, software, and sample-processing issues and implement solutions.

Skills

Robotic workflow design

Laboratory automation programming

DNA/RNA extraction

Cell culture techniques

Sample management / LIMS

Automation systems integration

Flow Cytometry basics

Mentoring juniors

Education

MS in science/engineering/automation

BS with 5+ years experience

Tools

HighRes Biosolutions

Beckman Coulter

Tecan

Hamilton

Thermo Fisher

Agilent

Azenta

SPT Labtech

Dynamic Devices

LIMS

Job description

Job Description

Join Takeda as a The Associate Scientist, Global Sample Management team plays a pivotal role in supporting Takeda’s research and development efforts by ensuring the integrity, availability, traceability, and precise handling of research samples critical to drug discovery. As a Research Associate Scientist, this role contributes to that mission by maintaining accurate compound and sample data, designing and executing automated sample management workflows, and leveraging laboratory automation and informatics systems to deliver high-quality research materials. The role collaborates across R&D to optimize compound logistics, troubleshoot complex workflows, implement new capabilities, and drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

About the role:

The Research Associate Scientist will support the discovery and development of new therapeutics by conducting scientific research, development, and testing of new products, manufacturing processes, and raw materials. This role contributes to Takeda's mission by developing and testing theories on the physical, chemical, and/or biological properties of materials and ingredients under various conditions.

How you will contribute:

• Independently design, plan, execute, analyze, and report basic and complex biologics characterization experiments under general direction.
• Independently plans and executes preparation of research samples using a variety of sample storage, liquid-handling, and laboratory automation systems, including HighRes Biosolutions, Beckman Coulter, Tecan, Hamilton, Thermo Fisher, Agilent, Azenta, SPT Labtech, Dynamic Devices, and other platforms.
• Serves as a technical resource for sample management LIMS and associated sample management workflows, including compound registration, inventory management, order fulfillment, labware configuration, and integration with downstream automation systems.
• Ensures the integrity, accuracy, and traceability of newly received compounds and samples prior to LIMS registration and inventory updates.
• Coordinates plate preparation and aliquoting processes to ensure timely and reliable availability of research samples to scientists and project teams.
• Troubleshoots complex automation, software, and sample-processing issues and implements solutions that improve workflow reliability, throughput, and quality.
• Identifies and implements continuous improvement opportunities to increase automation, standardization, operational efficiency, sample quality, and system reliability
• Summarizes and presents technical work, project outcomes, and recommendations within the department and, as appropriate, to broader R&D audiences.

What you bring to Takeda:

• MS in a scientific, engineering, automation, or related discipline with 3+ years of relevant experience, or BS with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing workflows and programming methods for robotic sample storage, liquid-handling, and laboratory automation systems.
• Conducts basic DNA/RNA extraction and PCR, understanding the significance of gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing.
• Understands and applies basic cell culture techniques with supervision.
• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of Sample Management processes, applications, equipment, data integrity, and sample traceability.
• Experience integrating laboratory automation platforms with scheduling, orchestration, and data management systems.
• Operates Flow Cytometry for basic assays under close supervision.
• Mentors junior colleagues and interns and provides end-user training on software tools, workflows, and laboratory equipment.
• Independently identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and designs or modifies workflows to improve efficiency, reliability, and scalability across platforms.
• Demonstrates strong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to translate scientific requirements into practical sample management and automation solutions.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, including the ability to troubleshoot technical issues, propose practical solutions, and escalation risks appropriately.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team environment.

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: $103,500.00 - $162,690.00

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.

For information about our benefits, please click here.

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. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.