Associate Director, Target Discovery Digital Capabilities Strategy

Takeda • Boston, MA

103d

About The Position

Takeda Research is seeking an experienced and visionary Associate Director to lead the strategic definition and cross-functional coordination of Target Identification and Validation (TidVal) tools and infrastructure. This role will be instrumental in shaping the scientific and digital foundation of TidVal capabilities, ensuring alignment with Takeda’s research priorities and digital transformation goals.

Requirements

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., molecular biology, pharmacology, bioinformatics) with 7+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical research.
• Demonstrated expertise in target identification and validation, including hands-on experience with relevant tools and platforms.
• Proven track record in program or project management, preferably in a matrixed R&D environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence across levels and functions.
• Experience collaborating with data science, digital, and IT teams to implement research infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership Define and evolve the strategic roadmap for TidVal tools and infrastructure across Takeda Research.
• Translate scientific needs into actionable tool and infrastructure requirements, ensuring alignment with therapeutic area strategies and research portfolio goals.
• Partner with the Takeda Data and Digital (DD&T) team to co-develop scalable, interoperable, and future-ready TidVal platforms.
• Cross-Functional Program Management Lead cross-functional coordination across Research functions to gather, prioritize, and implement TidVal requirements.
• Drive stakeholder engagement and alignment across scientific, technical, and operational teams.
• Manage timelines, deliverables, and risk mitigation strategies for TidVal-related initiatives.
• External Collaboration Identify and manage strategic partnerships with external vendors, academic collaborators, and consortia to accelerate TidVal innovation.
• Ensure external tools and platforms integrate effectively with Takeda’s internal systems and scientific workflows.
• Scientific and Technical Expertise Apply deep knowledge of target identification and validation methodologies, including genomics, proteomics, functional screening, and computational biology.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and scientific advances in TidVal and related domains.
• Contribute to scientific strategy discussions and represent TidVal capabilities in internal governance forums.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees