Research Senior Scientist, Global Sample Management

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. in Boston seeks a Research Senior Scientist to lead complex sample management and automation initiatives supporting drug discovery.

You will guide laboratory automation, informatics, and data integrity across the sample lifecycle, partnering with R&D to translate scientific needs into scalable operations. The role emphasizes proactive optimization of automated workflows, standard operating procedures, and mentoring of colleagues to advance operational excellence and

Qualifications

• PhD or MS/BS with substantial experience in sample automation and data integrity.
• Experience designing and optimizing robotic sample storage and liquid handling workflows.
• Deep knowledge of sample management informatics and LIMS integrations.
• Strong troubleshooting of automated workflows across hardware and software.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of complex sample preparation and distribution workflows.
• Serve as SME for sample management systems and laboratory automation technologies.
• Ensure data integrity, traceability, and quality across the sample lifecycle.
• Design and deploy automated workflows with scheduling software and informatics systems.
• Mentor colleagues and drive cross‑functional improvement initiatives.

Skills

Robotic automation

Liquid handling

LIMS

Sample informatics

Data management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in science/engineering/automation

MS with 8+ years of experience

BS with 10+ years of experience

Tools

LIMS

Scheduling software

Informatics platforms

Job description

Job Description

Join Takeda as a The Research Senior 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, Senior Scientist, this role advances that mission by providing scientific and technical leadership in sample management, maintaining the integrity of compound and sample data, and designing, implementing, and optimizing complex automated workflows. The role leverages laboratory automation, informatics, and sample management systems to deliver high-quality research materials and scalable operational solutions. Working cross‑functionally across R&D, the Research, Senior Scientist translates scientific requirements into effective sample management strategies, resolves complex technical challenges, introduces new capabilities, and drives continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.

About the role:

The Global Sample Management team plays a critical role in advancing drug discovery by ensuring the integrity, availability, traceability, and precise handling of research samples that support Takeda’s research and development pipeline. As a Research Senior Scientist, you will provide scientific and technical leadership in sample management, laboratory automation, and informatics while driving the development of scalable, high‑quality operational solutions. You will partner across Research & Development to translate scientific needs into effective sample management strategies, optimize automated workflows, solve complex technical challenges, and introduce innovative capabilities that enhance operational excellence and research impact.

How you will contribute:

• Provide scientific and technical leadership for the planning, development, execution, and optimization of complex sample preparation and distribution workflows.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in sample management systems, LIMS, inventory management, and laboratory automation technologies.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, traceability, and quality of compound and sample data throughout the sample lifecycle.
• Design, implement, troubleshoot, and optimize integrated automation workflows involving liquid handlers, storage platforms, scheduling software, and informatics systems.
• Lead root‑cause investigations and develop solutions that improve reliability, throughput, quality, and scalability of automated processes.
• Partner with scientists, automation specialists, informatics teams, and external vendors to develop innovative and scalable solutions that support evolving research needs.
• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures, technical documentation, and best practices that ensure compliant and efficient operations.
• Evaluate, test, qualify, and deploy new technologies, software platforms, and automation capabilities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase operational efficiency, standardization, data integrity, and sample quality.
• Provide technical mentorship, training, and guidance to colleagues while supporting complex technical and operational challenges.
• Lead or contribute to cross‑functional initiatives that strengthen Global Sample Management capabilities and support broader R&D objectives.
• Communicate technical findings, project outcomes, and strategic recommendations to leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders.

What you bring to Takeda:

• PhD in a scientific, engineering, automation, or related discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience; or MS with 8+ years of relevant experience; or BS with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing, developing, implementing, and optimizing robotic sample storage, liquid‑handling, and laboratory automation systems.
• Deep knowledge of sample management informatics, LIMS, inventory management platforms, and their integration with laboratory automation and research systems.
• Advanced experience troubleshooting complex automated workflows, including hardware, software, data, integration, and process‑related issues.
• Strong understanding of sample management processes, data integrity principles, sample traceability requirements, and industry best practices.
• Experience designing and integrating automation platforms with scheduling, orchestration, LIMS, and data management systems to support scalable operations.
• Proven ability to provide technical leadership, mentorship, and end‑user training.
• Track record of leading innovation and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, reliability, quality, standardization, and scalability.
• Ability to independently lead complex technical projects, manage competing priorities, and apply sound scientific and technical judgment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific and operational requirements into practical business solutions.

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:

$137,000.00 - $215,270.00

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.

Locations

Boston, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes

YesIt 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.