Head, Data & Quantitative Sciences DD&T

Takeda; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 212,000 - 333,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda's R&D Data, Digital & Technology (DD&T) organization is seeking a Head of DQS DD&T based in Cambridge, MA, to lead the data and AI backbone behind DQS. You will set DD&T strategy, plan a global technology portfolio, and deliver through a diverse team across Cambridge and Takeda's Capability Centers.

You will ensure validation, data integrity and inspection readiness in a regulated environment. Joining Takeda means accelerating AI-enabled, compliant science across clinical data, trials and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years in pharmaceutical, biotech or healthcare R&D technology with leadership and budget responsibility.
• Proven track record partnering with biometrics or data science functions and delivering capabilities that improve speed, quality and compliance.
• Credibility with senior scientific stakeholders and ability to engage on quantitative, computational and AI problems.
• Working knowledge of statistical computing environments, regulatory submission workflows, modeling and simulation, and safety systems.
• Deep knowledge of GxP, computer system validation, data integrity and inspection readiness.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary DD&T partner and single point of contact for the DQS Leadership Team, covering strategy, portfolio, platforms, services and support.
• Co-develop with DQS leadership a DD&T roadmap aligned to the DQS impact pillars: portfolio decisions, trial design, speed to lock, submission readiness and predictive safety intelligence.
• Represent DQS in DD&T planning, investment prioritization and governance, and as DD&T representative in DQS decision forums.
• Own the DQS technology portfolio end to end, from demand and prioritization through delivery, adoption and benefits, ensuring reliable and submission-ready outputs.
• Lead DD&T contribution to DQS initiatives, embedding AI and automation into core quantitative workflows from clinical data through submission outputs.
• Oversee lifecycle of core DQS technologies including statistical computing, analysis pipelines, modeling platforms and safety systems.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

AI & Data science

Regulatory compliance

Strategic vision

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Tools

SAS

R

CDISC standards

Job description

Takeda's R&D Data, Digital & Technology (DD&T) organization is building the data and AI backbone for an R&D engine that moves faster, decides better and delivers more medicines to patients. We are looking for a DD&T leader for one of the most innovative and important partners we serve: R&D Data & Quantitative Sciences (DQS).

DQS is the quantitative engine of Takeda's pipeline. Its scientists shape portfolio decisions from candidate selection through go/no-go, design the trials that generate our evidence, produce the analyses behind every regulatory filing, and monitor the safety of our medicines before and after approval. The technology behind this work sits on the critical path for study starts, database locks, submissions and approvals, and this role owns it. As Head of DQS DD&T, you will be the senior DD&T partner to DQS leadership: setting the DD&T strategy with them, planning the portfolio of technology, data and AI work behind it, and delivering it through a global team across Cambridge and Takeda's Innovation Capability Centers. Keeping that technology reliable, validated and inspection ready is where this role starts. You will report to the Head of R&D and Global Medical DD&T and sit on that Leadership Team.

The larger opportunity is transformation. Under Takeda's AI Forward ambition, DD&T and DQS are together rebuilding how quantitative science is done: applying AI and automation across the clinical data and analysis flow, bringing simulation and predictive methods into development decisions, and building modern data foundations that let advanced quantitative and computational scientists build and deploy their own models in a governed environment. You will be as accountable for that transformation while maintaining our pipeline technology readiness and reliability. This role requires both technical fluency and creativity to move quickly on AI and data science, along with the rigor and compliance experience to know where validation, data integrity and audit readiness are non-negotiable. This is a role for someone who wants to build alongside scientists, set direction with them, and see the results show up in the pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary DD&T partner and single point of contact for the DQS Leadership Team, covering strategy, portfolio, platforms, services and support.
• Co-develop with DQS leadership a DD&T roadmap aligned to the DQS impact pillars: quantitative portfolio decisions, fit-for-purpose trial design, speed to lock, submission and access, and predictive, compliant safety risk intelligence.
• Represent DQS in DD&T planning, investment prioritization and technology governance, and represent DD&T in DQS decision forums.

Portfolio delivery and compliance

• Own the DQS technology portfolio end to end, from demand and prioritization through delivery, adoption and benefits, and ensure the technology behind development execution and regulatory filings is reliable and ready so that study timelines, database locks and submission dates are met.
• Lead the DD&T contribution to the DQS priority initiatives, embedding AI and automation into core quantitative workflows from clinical data through submission-ready outputs.
• Oversee the lifecycle of core DQS technologies, including the statistical computing environment, the analysis and reporting pipeline from clinical data to submission-ready outputs, modeling and simulation platforms, and safety and pharmacovigilance systems.
• Ensure DQS systems remain validated and compliant (e.g. GxP, 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11) where applicable, with quality by design, data integrity and always-on inspection readiness built into delivery, including model governance for AI in regulated workflows. Represent the technology position in inspections and audits.

Data, AI and Platforms

• Partner with across DD&T so that DQS builds on shared Takeda data platforms, AI infrastructure and governance, and strengthen the data foundations DQS depends upon.
• Enable DQS scientists to develop, validate and deploy their own models and AI agents, with the compute, data access and tooling they need, and keep a current view of emerging technologies and vendor roadmaps relevant to quantitative science.

People, capability and resources

• Lead, develop and retain a high-performing global team, with clear roles and ways of working across internal teams, ICC capacity and strategic suppliers.
• Manage the DQS DD&T budget, resourcing and vendor relationships, including contracting, performance and spend.
• Act as a change agent for new ways of working in DQS, support the "One DQS" agile operating model, and make progress visible through proactive engagement and executive level reporting.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree in statistics, biostatistics, pharmacometrics, data science, computer science, engineering or a related quantitative discipline preferred.
• 12 or more years in pharmaceutical, biotech or healthcare R&D technology, including significant leadership of data, digital or technology delivery with responsibility for teams and budget.
• Track record partnering with biometrics, quantitative science or data science functions and delivering capabilities that improved the speed, quality and compliance of development and filing work.
• Credibility with senior scientific stakeholders and the ability to engage substantively on quantitative, computational and AI problems.
• Working knowledge of statistical computing environments, CDISC standards, regulatory submission workflows, modeling and simulation, and safety systems.
• Deep knowledge of GxP compliance, computer system validation, data integrity and inspection readiness.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and deliver through a highly matrixed global organization, with clear communication to scientific and executive audiences.

Preferred

• Hands-on background in biostatistics, statistical programming, pharmacometrics or data science within biopharma.
• Experience applying AI, machine learning and automation to regulated clinical and quantitative workflows, including generative and agentic approaches and the model governance that goes with them.
• Experience delivering through global capability centers or offshore delivery models.

Why Takeda?

You will join R&D DD&T at the point where AI is moving from pilots into the regulated core of drug development, with the mandate and the partners to make it stick. Takeda is deeply committed to its values of integrity, fairness, honesty and perseverance, and to a culture that prioritizes collaboration, inclusion and continuous learning. Here you will be empowered to make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide, working alongside colleagues dedicated to scientific excellence and innovation.

Hybrid role, based in Cambridge, MA.

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.

For information about our benefits, please click here.

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.