Discovery Scale-Up & Optimization Leader

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 177,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. seeks a scientific leader to head Discovery Scale-Up and Optimization. You will own chemistry optimization and scale-up for the discovery organization, ensuring access to gram-to-kilogram material for lead optimization and transition to development.

You will manage ~10 scientists across Boston and Shonan and partner with Pharm Sci, medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and toxicology. Your role includes setting strategy, designing scalable routes, coordinating external partners,

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or related discipline with 10+ years in process chemistry, route optimization or scale-up.
• MS with 16+ years experience, or BS with 18+ years experience in discovery scale-up environments.
• Proven track record delivering scalable routes and gram-to-kilogram supply for preclinical/clinical candidates.
• Leadership experience across multi-site or global teams.

Responsibilities

• Set vision, priorities, and operating model for discovery scale-up aligned with Global Chemistry.
• Lead design and optimization of scalable, cost-efficient synthetic routes for leads and candidates.
• Deliver gram-to-kilogram supplies for medicinal chemistry optimization and in vivo studies.
• Partner with medicinal chemistry to improve route tractability and scalability.
• Prepare for tech transfer and sourcing strategies with QA, analytical, and DMPK teams.
• Lead and develop a ~10-person team across Boston and Shonan.
• Oversee CROs with budget, timeline, and data-quality oversight.

Skills

Leadership

Strategy

Route design

Scale-up

CRO management

Team leadership

Budget management

Communication

Problem solving

Drug discovery

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

MS in Chemistry

BS in Chemistry

Job description

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. seeks a scientific leader to head Discovery Scale-Up and Optimization. You will own chemistry optimization and scale-up for the discovery organization, ensuring access to gram-to-kilogram material for lead optimization and transition to development.

You will manage ~10 scientists across Boston and Shonan and partner with Pharm Sci, medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and toxicology. Your role includes setting strategy, designing scalable routes, coordinating external partners,