Overview
At Takeda, we are a forward-looking, world-class R&D organization that unlocks innovation and delivers transformative therapies to patients. By focusing R&D efforts on three therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide.
Objective / Purpose
The Head of Biochemical Lead Profiling will play a critical leadership role in Takeda’s “Lab of the Future” initiative, driving implementation of highly efficient, AI-integrated DMTA (Design–Make–Test–Analyze) cycles for small and large-molecule discovery. In this leadership role, you will contribute to the implementation of innovative technologies across the DMTA cycle, ensuring smooth, fully automated operation. You will own the strategy, design, and execution of biochemical lead profiling assays on fully automated, robotic platforms, with emphasis on assay miniaturization (down to 1,536-well formats) and end-to-end digitalization. You will partner closely with disease biology, medicinal chemistry, DMPK, data science/AI, and automation engineering to ensure biochemical testing becomes a fast, reliable, and insight-rich engine for decision-making across Takeda’s discovery portfolio.
Accountabilities
- Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Define and execute the global strategy for biochemical lead profiling in support of Takeda’s DMTA cycle, aligned with the Lab of the Future roadmap.
- Champion the use of automation, robotics, and AI/ML to increase throughput, data quality, and decision speed across biochemical assays.
- Contribute to the establishment of a fully automated and integrated DMTA cycle by partnering and influencing across teams responsible for all aspects of the process.
- Establish and refine a vision for fully integrated workflows, from assay design through assay execution, data capture, analysis, and reporting.
- Biochemical Assay Development & Profiling
- Partner with Drug Discovery scientists in Takeda’s Drug Discovery Units (DDUs) to drive design, development, and validation of robust biochemical assays (e.g., enzyme, binding, target engagement assays) for primary, secondary, and mechanistic profiling.
- Lead a core facility that supports all therapeutic areas for both small and large molecule modalities, ensuring seamless operation and timely data delivery.
- Drive assay miniaturization strategies (including 384-well and 1,536-well plate formats) without compromising data quality, sensitivity, or reproducibility.
- Implement best practices for assay performance monitoring, QC, and continuous improvement (e.g., Z’ factor, S/B, control strategies).
- Leadership, Collaboration & People Development
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of scientists and research associates specializing in biochemical assay development, screening and automation.
- Foster a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, operational excellence, and safety.
- Represent lead profiling capabilities to internal stakeholders and external partners; influence global standards and best practices across Takeda.
- Function as a key liaison to Takeda’s DDU scientists and leadership, setting the example for cross-functional collaboration and partnership.
- Automation, Robotics & Lab Operations
- Oversee the deployment and optimization of fully automated, robotic platforms for high-throughput DMTA assays.
- Partner with automation engineers to design scalable, modular workflows that support rapid reconfiguration for new targets and assay types.
- Ensure rigorous integration of instruments, LIMS/ELN systems, scheduling software, and data pipelines to enable true end-to-end automation.
- AI-Integrated DMTA & Data Excellence
- Collaborate with AI/ML, cheminformatics, and data engineering teams to ensure that assay design and data outputs are “AI-ready” (standardized, curated, and appropriately annotated).
- Drive the adoption of advanced analytics, modeling, and AI/ML approaches to inform assay design, hit triage, SAR development, and portfolio decisions. Establish data standards and governance for biochemical lead profiling, enabling longitudinal data mining and cross-program learning.
Education & Experience
- Expected: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Chemical Biology, or related field, 10+ years of relevant industry/postdoctoral experience; OR M.S. with 16+ years of relevant experience; OR B.S. with 18+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D, with a strong focus on biochemical assay development and lead profiling.
- Experience embedding AI/ML and advanced analytics into DMTA processes and decision-making.
- Hands-on familiarity with scheduling software, LIMS/ELN, and data pipeline tools commonly used in automated labs.
- Experience in hit-to-lead and lead optimization support, including interpreting biochemical data in the context of SAR and portfolio strategy.
- Prior leadership role in a “lab of the future,” high-throughput screening, or fully integrated discovery platform environment.
- Demonstrated ability to drive change and transformation in complex, global R&D organizations.
Proven Track Record
- Developing and validating biochemical assays for drug discovery (e.g., enzyme kinetics, binding assays, mechanistic profiling).
- Running assays on fully automated, robotic platforms in high-throughput environments.
- Successful miniaturization of assays to at least 384-well and preferably 1,536-well plate formats.
- Designing and operating integrated workflows that connect lab instrumentation, automation, and informatics systems.
- Strong leadership experience, including managing and developing scientific teams at the senior scientist/principal scientist level.
- Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to partner with chemistry, DMPK/biology, data science, informatics, and automation engineering.
- Clear, concise communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to influence at the Executive Director and VP level across diverse teams.
Additional Information
- The position will be based in Cambridge, MA. This position is currently classified as “hybrid” by Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy.
Compensation & 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 strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.
Location : Boston, MA
U.S. Base Salary Range : $174,500.00 - $274,230.00
The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including qualifications, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications, and location.
U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/or long-term incentives, medical/dental/vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, disability coverage, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, well-being benefits, and other benefits. New hires may accrue paid time off per calendar year.
EEO Statement
Takeda is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with applicable laws.
Locations: Boston, MA
Worker Type: Employee
Worker Sub-Type: Regular
Time Type: Full time
Legal Notice
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment. An employer who violates this law may face penalties.
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