Global Therapeutic Research Lead - Small Molecule - Immunology

USA - 3316 Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 212,000 - 333,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda in Cambridge, MA seeks a Global Therapeutic Research Lead to steer multiple discovery programs from target identification to preclinical development. The role sits on the GI DDU Leadership Team, shaping asset strategy and collaborating with Clinical Development and Commercial stakeholders.

The candidate will mentor teams, manage external partnerships, and drive a sustainable pipeline of INDs through AI/ML-driven discovery and strategic initiatives across the Organization.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in health or life sciences.
• 10–12 years industry experience in Immunology and Inflammation with global leadership.
• Proven track record leading multiple drug discovery projects.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage high-priority drug discovery projects from target ID to preclinical development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (DMPK, Pharma Sciences) to deliver outcomes.
• Provide strategic input to asset strategy and portfolio prioritization.
• Mentor and develop project teams across global functions.

Job description

Job Description

At Takeda, we are a forward-looking, world-class R&D organization that unlocks innovation and delivers transformative therapies to patients. By focusing R&D efforts on three therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide

Summary

Leveraging a proven track record of leading multiple discovery programs to clinic, The Global Therapeutic Research Lead (G-TRL) is a pipeline critical strategic leader responsible for driving Research projects to the clinic. The individual will sit on the Gastroenterology and Inflammation Drug Discovery Unit (GI DDU) Leadership Team. Research Project Leader for at least one or more of Takeda’s top priority projects with substantial clinical and commercial potential with a clear accelerated path to the clinic. You will provide mentorship to team members to elevate enterprise thinking and capabilities of our drug discovery talent across the global Research function. As project core team lead, the GTRL builds a connected view of the project within the Gastroenterology and Inflammation TA strategy and treatment paradigm and can represent all core expertise at depth and align with stakeholders and sponsors across the organization including Research, Clinical Development and Commercial stakeholders and executive level governance committees. G-TRLs are responsible for creating the medicine vision, early asset strategy and managing multiple external partnerships that accelerate delivery of the project. G-TRLs will establish smart, fast, and critical path minded practices for groups, including integrating new strategies and competitive industry ways of working. G-TRL will advise on the continuous infusion of new Research projects aligned to strategy to generate a sustainable Research Engine generating a steady flow of high-quality INDs every year.

Accountabilities

• Lead and manage one or more high-priority drug discovery projects, overseeing the entire drug discovery process from target identification to preclinical development.
• Leverage full range of drug-hunting skillset with core modalities that must include small molecule therapeutic discovery expertise although familiarity with biologics is preferred
• Responsible for the articulation and ownership of the project strategy, developed in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategy for future portfolio investment, particularly within the Inflammation and Immunology area including advising on which projects should be prioritized within the portfolio strategy.
• Evaluate and prioritize potential drug candidates based on scientific, medical, and commercial considerations.
• Represent all core expertise for the project.
• Partner with Clinical and Translational teams to refine asset strategy.
• Ensure alignment to the therapeutic area strategy (i.e., Clinical Development).
• Understand and align with the commercial team for asset commercial value within the TA.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to global project team members, stimulating enterprise thinking and fostering their professional growth and development.
• Mentor future and more junior project leads and elevate drug discovery capability across Research.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and partners (e.g., DMPK, Pharmaceutical Sciences) within and outside Takeda to drive project delivery.
• Pipeline and enterprise impact through effective partnering with multiple internal and external collaborators.
• Provide strategic, process, and operational leadership for successful project delivery.
• Foster a culture of innovation and scientific excellence within the matrixed drug discovery team, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
• Become a world leading scientific expert in the projects you lead.
• Oversee the design and execution of experiments, data analysis, and interpretation to enable decision-making and optimize drug discovery efforts.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in drug discovery including AI/ML-driven discovery, and other industry trends, applying this knowledge to enhance drug discovery strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners inclusive of serving on joint external governance committees across the globe.
• Represent Takeda externally for the Gastroenterology and Inflammation Drug Discovery Unit and play a key role in evaluating external opportunities, serving as an effective ambassador for Takeda’s global business development brand.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral)

• Advanced degree in health or life sciences (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M.)
• Expected to have at least 10-12 years industry and relevant subject matter expertise within Immunology and Inflammation and at least 10-12 years global management experience, including working effectively with matrix teams.
• Extensive experience in leading drug discovery teams and managing drug discovery/development projects, preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting covering gastroenterology and inflammation.
• Deep understanding of the drug discovery process, including target identification, hit-to-lead optimization, and preclinical development leveraging both traditional practice as well as AI/ML – driven techniques that enable faster delivery of better products to patients
• Proven track record of leading numerous projects, ideally 5+ projects, across discovery from target inception to Candidate Nomination and beyond.
• Must have extensive experience in small molecule drug discovery preferably having delivered multiple compounds to the clinic
• Excellent and inclusive leadership with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams towards achieving ambitious goals.
• Reputation as a proactive, solutions-oriented leader who engages relevant expertise no matter where it resides.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, including regulatory requirements and commercial considerations with relevant knowledge and expertise for specific modalities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders across a matrixed organization.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on data-driven decision making.
• Demonstrated success in building and managing strategic partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry collaborators.

Additional Information

The position will be based in Cambridge, MA. This position is currently classified as “hybrid” by Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy

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: $212,000.00 - $333,190.00 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 Job Exempt Yes

Employment Law Notice

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.

Company Overview

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.

EEO for U.S. and Puerto Rico Positions

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