Associate Director, Head of Cellular Lead Profiling

Takeda•Boston, MA

21d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

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.

Benefits

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.

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