Associate Scientist, Global Sample Management

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

Job summary

Takeda seeks an Associate Scientist in the Global Sample Management team to ensure the integrity, availability, traceability, and precise handling of research samples critical to drug discovery. The role designs and executes automated sample management workflows, uses LIMS, and collaborates across R&D to optimize logistics, troubleshoot processes, and drive continuous improvement.

Location: Boston, MA. Base Salary Range: $103,500.00 - $162,690.00.

Qualifications

• MS or BS with relevant experience in biologics/sample management and automation.
• Experience designing workflows for robotic sample storage and liquid-handling systems.
• DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sequencing understanding.
• Cell culture techniques with supervision and understanding of sample traceability.
• Knowledge of sample management processes, data integrity, and LIMS.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, plan, execute, analyze, and report basic and complex biologics characterization experiments.
• Independently plans and executes preparation of research samples using storage, liquid-handling, and automation systems.
• Serves as a technical resource for sample management LIMS and workflows (registration, inventory, ordering).
• Ensures integrity and traceability of compounds and samples before LIMS registration.
• Coordinates plate preparation and aliquoting for timely availability of samples to scientists.
• Troubleshoots automation, software, and sample-processing issues to improve reliability and throughput.
• Identifies continuous improvement opportunities to increase automation and standardization.
• Summarizes and presents technical work and recommendations within the department and to R&D audiences.

Skills

Workflow design

Robotic automation

DNA/RNA extraction

PCR

Cell culture

Sample management

Lab automation systems

Flow Cytometry

Training end-users

Cross-functional communication

Problem-solving

Independent work

Education

MS in scientific/engineering/automation

BS with 5+ years relevant experience

Tools

HighRes Biosolutions

Beckman Coulter

Tecan

Hamilton

Thermo Fisher

Agilent

Azenta

SPT Labtech

Dynamic Devices

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 escalated 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.

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

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.