Senior Director, AIRx DMPK & Modeling Lead

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

Job summary

Takeda Research in Boston, MA seeks an AIRx DMPK & Modeling Lead to define quantitative DMPK, PK/PD, and modeling strategies across AIRx programs and connect preclinical data to clinical hypotheses. This role anchors AI-enabled DMTA cycles, integrating in vitro/in vivo ADME, PK, PBPK, and mechanistic models with AI/ML predictions, while directing CRO-based DMPK work with speed and rigor.

You will lead cross-functional teams across chemistry, biology, safety, and data science, ensuring

Qualifications

• PhD with 12–15+ years in pharmaceutical DMPK and modeling.
• Proven contributions to IND filings and IND-enabling DMPK packages.
• Experience designing and managing external CRO DMPK programs.
• Ability to connect DMPK to clinical hypothesis and translational strategy.
• AI/ML data integration experience with large multi-source datasets.

Responsibilities

• Owns the DMPK, PK/PD, and modeling strategy across the AIRx portfolio.
• Drive model-informed decision making for target, modality, and candidate progression.
• Embed DMPK and modeling into AI-enabled DMTA cycles, ensuring rapid iteration and learnings.
• Lead CRO-based DMPK and modeling activities with speed and rigor.
• Ensure high-quality, reproducible, and interpretable data packages.

Skills

DMPK modeling

ADME

PK/PD

AI/ML data integration

Cross-functional leadership

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Job description

Job Description OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE:

Takeda Research is constructing a Lab of Tomorrow built on AI, automation, new ways of working, and talent with the singular vision of delivering differentiated medicines to the clinic at speed and cost. To catalyze these efforts, Takeda is creating two complementary units: AI Research Accelerator (AIRx) and Discovery Automation & Robotics (DAR). AIRx will have a group of a dedicated group of experienced biologic drug hunters with the autonomy of a biotech and the resources of a leading pharmaceutical company. It is designed to incubate the future AI-powered operating models for large molecule discovery and deliver candidates to the clinic at industry leading speed and success rates. DMPK is a critical component of each AIRx team. As the AIRx DMPK & Modeling Lead, you will establish the quantitative and mechanistic foundation that drives portfolio decisions, integrating ADME, PK, PBPK/QSP, and AI-enabled modeling to guide programs from target hypothesis to clinical hypothesis. You will operate within a highly externalized, AI-powered discovery model, defining how modeling is used to enable rapid, high-confidence decision making. The AIRx DMPK & Modeling Lead will combine extensive scientific and strategic expertise in DMPK and modeling with the agility to thrive in an externalized, AI-powered operating model — leveraging DMPK and modeling depth and pragmatism to direct and integrate quantitative data and decisions at speed. This will include knowledge and experience of DMPK requirements for diverse modalities (e.g., small molecules, biotherapeutics). Responsibilities include directing CRO partners with precision and accountability to generate high-quality, interpretable data that feeds into AI-powered DMTA cycles and connecting experimental biology to translational strategy and clinical outcomes.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Portfolio-level impact across AIRx programs Quantitative Strategy & Decision Leadership: Owns the DMPK, PK/PD, and modeling strategy across the AIRx portfolio. Ensure all programs have: Robust human PK and dose projections, Clear exposure → target engagement → efficacy/safety hypotheses, Quantitative line of sight to clinical success. Drive model-informed decision making (MIDD) for target, modality, and candidate progression. Establish biomarker and modeling frameworks that link preclinical data to clinical outcomes. AI-Enabled Modeling & DMTA Integration: Embed DMPK & modeling into AI-enabled DMTA cycles, ensuring rapid iteration and learning. Integrate: In vitro / in vivo ADME data, PK, PBPK, and mechanistic (QSP) models, AI/ML-driven predictions and simulations. Ensure modeling outputs are decision-ready, interpretable, and fit-for-purpose. Design and oversee CRO-based DMPK and modeling activities with speed and rigor. Ensure: High-quality, reproducible, and interpretable data packages, Alignment between CRO outputs and modeling need, Build scalable workflows for externalized, AI-enabled DMPK operations. Challenge scientific assumptions across the team; ensure DMPK integrity and mechanistic depth underpin all program decisions Represent DMPK perspectives at Takeda governance forums; contribute to IND-enabling packages.

DIMENSIONS AND ASPECTS:

Technical/Functional (Line) Expertise Strong expertise in: ADME, PK, PK/PD and application/ interpretation of mechanistic modeling in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry from early discovery to development. Leadership Demonstrated ability to operate in: Lean, agile, high-velocity environments Externalized / CRO-driven execution models Strong cross-functional leadership across: Chemistry, biology, safety, clinical pharmacology, and data science Ability to communicate complex quantitative insights clearly to decision-makers

EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

Expected: PhD degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 12-15+ years industry experience in pharmaceutical DMPK and modeling Proven contributions to IND filings; experience supporting IND-enabling DMPK packages Track record designing and managing externalized CRO DMPK programs; ability to scope, oversee, and critically interpret study data Ability to connect DMPK to clinical hypothesis and translational strategy AI/ML data integration experience; comfortable working with large multi-source datasets Experience in at least one therapeutic area represented across the Takeda Research portfolio Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills; able to operate effectively in a lean, fast-paced team

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.

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.