Scientist I, Investigative Toxicology

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. in Boston, MA seeks a scientist to develop automated in vitro and AI/ML toxicology models, accelerating safer and more effective medicines.

You will deliver decision-making data to advance drug candidates toward IND, working with a global team across oncology, neuroscience, and GI programs. Strong communication and collaboration are essential, as is experience with cell-based assays.

Qualifications

• Ph.D./M.S./B.S. in a biological or related discipline with extensive experience in toxicology or drug discovery.
• Experience using AI/ML tools to analyze in vitro data.
• Experience in a matrixed pharmaceutical environment or CRO is preferred.
• Proficiency with molecular biology techniques (RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, Western blot).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver automated in vitro and AI/ML toxicology models.
• Perform cell-based in vitro assays to characterize toxicities.
• Collaborate with pharmacology, DMPK, and bioinformatics to integrate AI/ML.
• Prepare and present study results to teams and leadership.
• Contribute to safety prioritization of assets using automated platforms.

Skills

AI/ML tools

Cell culture techniques

Python/R

Communication

Education

PhD in biology/biochemistry/pharmacology

MS with 6+ years

BS with 8+ years

Tools

RNA/DNA extraction

qPCR

Western blot

Flow cytometry

Imaging

Job description

Job Description

Objective / Purpose:

In this role, you will develop and deliver automated in vitro and AI/ML toxicology models to deliver safer & more effective medicines to patients, faster. AI/ML models will integrate knowledge of drug candidate target, structure and advanced in vitro models to accelerate and improve drug candidate safety assessment.

Your primary responsibility will be to deliver decision-making data to accelerate the delivery of quality drug candidates to IND.

Using Automation, AI & machine learning, you will:

• Work as part of a global team of safety assessment scientists to detect and de-risk toxicities associated Takeda assets.
• Deliver key data via screening strategies that enable early safety assessment to drive the progression of optimized therapeutic candidates.
• Conduct cell-based in vitro assays to characterize toxicities for medicines in discovery & development.
• Develop novel in vitro model systems to assess safety risks associated with Takeda assets.

The Global Investigative Toxicology team leads in vitro and in silico work critical for detecting and de-risking toxicity in drug candidates throughout Takeda’s portfolio to help make medicines safer and more effective.

Accountabilities:

• Use AI/ML to develop, design, execute, and interpret in vitro cell-based assays to characterize diverse mechanisms of toxicity with a focus on oncology, neuroscience, and GI therapeutics.
• Tissue culture of immortalized cancer cell lines and human primary cells using both manual and automated techniques.
• Prepare experimental protocols, analyse experimental data, and present study results in team and department meetings.
• Facilitate integration of AI/ML within investigative toxicology and with key collaborators, including pharmacology, DMPK, and bioinformatics.
• Leverage automated platforms to run routine, well-established screening assays to prioritize assets based on safety.
• Partner with automation and technology teams to drive innovative approaches to leverage technology to facilitate highly efficient running of assays and apply cutting-edge techniques.
• Initiate new experimental approaches to specific problems using scientific theory and technical literature.
• Use defined practices and theoretical knowledge to perform analysis, interpret results, and determine appropriate action.
• Utilize relevant information, technology, and resources to contribute to complex team problem resolution and objectives.
• Prepare and present comprehensive technical or project reports and formal presentations/posters to a full range of internal and external audiences.
• Follow good documentation practices.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

• Ph.D. with 0–1 years, MS with 6+ years, or BS with 8+ years of experience in biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• Experience using AI/ML tools to facilitate in vitro data analysis.
• Experience working in a matrixed team environment at a pharmaceutical company and/or CRO.
• Basic experience with molecular biology techniques, including RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, and western blot.
• Natural aptitude for technology, instrumentation and automation.
• Broad scientific knowledge in molecular and cellular biology, immunology, pharmacology, or toxicology.
• Expertise with standard aseptic cell culture techniques, including experience culturing various cell types. Experience with culturing and differentiating primary cells is a plus.
• Experience with R, Python, and other coding languages is a plus.
• Broad experience with cell-based functional assays. Experience with cell transfection/transduction, imaging, and flow cytometry is a plus.
• Self-motivated with strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance multiple projects and remain flexible with changing priorities.
• Highly collaborative.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

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:

$116,000.00 - $182,270.00

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

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.