Research Senior Scientist, Global Sample Management

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

Job summary

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. in Boston, MA, is seeking a Research Senior Scientist to lead global sample management initiatives. You will drive automation, informatics, and data integrity across R&D, delivering scalable workflows and high-quality materials for drug discovery.

The role requires advanced degrees with substantial hands-on automation experience and strong cross-functional collaboration to advance Takeda’s research impact.

Qualifications

• PhD with 2+ years relevant experience or MS with 8+ years or BS with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience designing, developing, implementing, and optimizing robotic sample storage and handling systems.
• Deep knowledge of sample management informatics, LIMS, inventory platforms, and integration with automation.
• Advanced experience troubleshooting complex automated workflows including hardware, software, data, and integration.
• Strong understanding of data integrity, traceability, and industry best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and technical leadership for planning, development, execution, and optimization of complex sample preparation and distribution workflows.
• Serve as SME in sample management systems, LIMS, inventory management, and automation technologies.
• Ensure integrity, accuracy, traceability, and quality of compound and sample data throughout the lifecycle.
• Design, implement, troubleshoot, and optimize integrated automation workflows and informatics systems.
• Lead root-cause investigations and develop scalable, reliable solutions.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Lab automation

LIMS

Informatics

Data integrity

Robotics

Education

PhD in scientific field

MS in related field

BS in related field

Tools

Liquid handling robots

Scheduling software

Informatics platforms

Job description

Join Takeda as a Research Senior Scientist

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.

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

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.

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.

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