Job Description
Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company that will inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as a Director Process & Capabilities Lead - Large Molecule Automation and Digital Research in our Cambridge office.
At Takeda, we are transforming the pharmaceutical industry through our R&D-driven market leadership and being a values-led company. To do this, we empower our people to realize their potential through life-changing work. Certified as a Global Top Employer, we offer stimulating careers, encourage innovation, and strive for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our global teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.
Here, you will be a vital contributor to our inspiring, bold mission.
Takeda is transforming the future of biologics research. We are seeking a visionary and results-driven leader to serve as Process & Capabilities Lead - Large Molecule Automation and Digital Research. This role is a critical component of our Digital Research Transformation program and is responsible for redefining, automating, and digitalizing discovery workflows in our large molecule (biologics) research. The successful candidate will harness innovation and utilize their experience and expertise to reimagine workflows, integrate automation and AI/ML solutions, and embed best practices across our biologics discovery platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Transformation Leadership:
- Spearhead the end-to-end redesign of large molecule discovery processes in a "closed loop", AI/digitally enabled and automated future-state model
- Drive process modernization initiatives that include the integration of automation, high-throughput screening techniques, generative Biology, large-scale data analysis, and AI-enabled prediction models.
- Collaboration & Cross-Functional Partnership:
- Partner closely with scientific and computational teams, IT, Digital, external partners, and Automation experts to ensure seamless execution and integration of new technologies and processes.
- Act as the trusted change leader and primary point of contact for lab teams, fostering a culture geared toward innovation and continuous improvement.
- Operational Excellence & Execution:
- Redesign end-to-end biologics discovery workflows, focusing on automation and AI-enablement opportunities.
- Develop, implement, and track robust KPIs related to workflow efficiency, data accessibility, process cycle improvements, and user adoption.
- Innovation & Capability Building:
- Collaborate with both dry lab and platform teams to ensure integrated, scalable solutions that enhance the digital capability across the discovery spectrum.
- Advocate for digital best practices and operational excellence across the organization in alignment with Takeda's transformation agenda.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years' experience in biopharma drug discovery, with deep expertise in large molecule discovery (including areas like protein engineering and antibody discovery).
- Proven leadership and experience in scientific workflow design and process optimization, particularly within AI/digital and lab automation initiatives.
- Track record in driving large-scale transformations and visionary changes.
- Comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in large molecule discovery, bolstered by a strong change management acumen.
- Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams including science, digital, IT, and operational stakeholders in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
- Advanced proficiency with lab digital tools (e.g., ELNs, LIMS) and data systems, along with a strong grasp on AI/ML and automation trends.
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Life Sciences, Bioengineering, or a related discipline preferred.
Why Takeda?
At Takeda, you will lead a transformative initiative that redefines how we discover and develop next-generation biologics. This role offers the opportunity to:
- Influence and shape groundbreaking digital research strategies.
- Drive innovation in scientifically and operationally complex environments.
- Collaborate with diverse experts and thought leaders at the forefront of biological discovery.
- Be a key player in a high-impact transformation with executive sponsorship and strategic visibility.
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
This position is currently classified as "hybrid" in accordance with Takeda's Hybrid and Remote Work policy.
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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:
$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 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.
U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/ or long-term incentives. U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.
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 Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Takeda and has not been reviewed or approved by Takeda.
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Retirement Support — Retirement funding includes a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match with immediate vesting and an additional age- and service-based company contribution, plus access to an employee stock purchase plan. These features materially expand total compensation beyond base pay.
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Parental & Family Support — Family support includes fully paid bonding leave for all parents, reimbursed adoption/surrogacy and doula expenses via Maven, and breast-milk shipping for work travel. Backup child, adult, and elder care through Bright Horizons further strengthens caregiving support.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical coverage offers nationwide PPO and HSA-PPO options with preventive care covered, alongside regional HMO choices where applicable and integrated pharmacy benefits. Round-the-clock assistance and virtual behavioral health access complement the core medical plans.
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What We Do
For over 240 years, Takeda’s propensity to evolve has driven the next generation of innovation, and as a future-focused organization, we’re continuing to drive forward with endurance in our steadfast pursuit to achieve the best outcomes for our patients in a rapidly changing world. We have been preparing for this period of value creation by investing in data, digital and technology, and we’re proud of our employees and their commitment to turning groundbreaking ideas into life-changing impacts. Since our founding in Japan, integrity and putting patients first have been at the heart of our identity, and we will emerge ready for our future as one of the most trusted and science-driven digital biopharmaceutical companies. Join a team where your innovation impacts lives. Together, we’ll realize improved outcomes by improving data quality, enhancing launch execution and improving the patient journey. You’ll play a critical role in accelerating data collection and increasing accuracy across all parts of the business. Patients across the globe will benefit from access to treatments afforded by greater opportunities and efficiency in our research and development.
Why Work With Us
We connect to our history and Japanese heritage through everything we do to bring our purpose, values, vision, and imperatives to life. We are committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients. Being a part of Takeda means having the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
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