Director, AIRx External Partnerships & CRO Execution

JobRx, Inc.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 177,000 - 278,080; Full time

Job summary

Takeda AIRx is seeking a Director, AIRx CRO & External Partnerships based in Cambridge, MA, with hybrid work options. The role leads external CRO relationships, contract management, and data integration for AI/ML pipelines, coordinating with AIRx scientific leads to maintain pace and quality.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in pharma outsourcing, deep CRO landscape knowledge, and a hands‑on leadership style, with willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree in life sciences or chemistry; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years in pharmaceutical outsourcing or CRO management.
• Deep CRO landscape knowledge with strong external network.
• Proven multi‑CRO program leadership with budget discipline.
• Hands‑on, operational partner embedding with scientific teams.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Strong contract negotiation and vendor oversight.
• Experience with AI/ML‑enabled or digital drug discovery is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee active CRO management with clear milestones and accountability.
• Maintain on-site CRO presence and manage partnerships across domestic and international partners.
• Coordinate CRO‑science team alignment of milestones and timelines.
• Identify performance issues early and resolve in real time to protect timelines.
• Own contracts, SOWs, timelines, and quality standards with procurement and legal.

Skills

CRO management

Pharma outsourcing

Vendor management

Contract negotiations

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel willingness

AI/ML in drug discovery

Data standardization (FAIR)

CRO landscape network

Operational leadership

Education

Life sciences or chemistry degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

TetraScience

SAIL

Job description

Takeda AIRx is seeking a Director, AIRx CRO & External Partnerships based in Cambridge, MA, with hybrid work options. The role leads external CRO relationships, contract management, and data integration for AI/ML pipelines, coordinating with AIRx scientific leads to maintain pace and quality.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in pharma outsourcing, deep CRO landscape knowledge, and a hands‑on leadership style, with willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.