Associate Director, Head of Cellular Lead Profiling

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Job Description

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 Cellular 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. You will own the strategy, design, and execution of cellular lead profiling assays on fully automated, robotic platforms, with a strong emphasis on assay miniaturization (down to 1,536-well formats) and end-to-end digitalization. Partnering closely with medicinal chemistry, DMPK, data science/AI, and automation engineering, you will ensure that cellular 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.
  • Establish and refine a vision for fully integrated workflows, from assay design through assay execution, data capture, analysis, and reporting.
• Cellular Assay Development & Profiling
  • Partner with Drug Discovery scientists in Takeda’s Drug Discovery Units (DDUs) to drive the design, development, and validation of robust cellular assays (e.g., High Content, reporter, CTG, GPCR) for primary, secondary, and mechanistic profiling.
  • As a leader of a core facility that supports all therapeutic areas for both small and large molecule modalities, ensure a seamless operation and that data delivery timelines consistently are met.
  • Drive assay miniaturization strategies (including 384-well and 1,536-well plate formats) without compromise on 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 cellular 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).
  • Establish data standards and governance for cellular lead profiling, enabling longitudinal data mining and cross-program learning.

Education & Experience:

• Expected: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Chemical Biology, or related field, 6+ years of relevant industry/postdoctoral experience; OR M.S. with 12+ years of relevant experience; OR B.S. with 14+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D, with a strong focus on cellular 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 cellular 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 of:

• Developing and validating cellular 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.
• Demonstrated experience 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

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:

$153,600.00 - $241,340.00

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.