Associate Scientific Fellow, Process Chemistry

Takeda•Cambridge, MA

5d•$154,400 - $242,550•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Scientific Fellow in Process Chemistry is a recognized technical leader with deep expertise in process chemistry development for synthetic molecules. They maintain a strong interest in laboratory work and play a critical role in advancing the portfolio by developing and executing complex scientific strategies across multiple late-stage pipeline projects, leveraging both personal laboratory contributions and leadership of internal and external efforts. The Associate Scientific Fellow drives the design and development of robust, scalable synthetic routes, balancing safety, sustainability, cost, and quality. They foster strong cross-functional partnerships across SMPD, Pharm Sci, and commercial organizations to enable efficient technology transfer and lifecycle process development. They may develop and lead project-focused academic collaborations to generate novel solutions to complex technical challenges. This includes initiating and participating in projects involving significant scientific challenges with well-considered risk and high potential impact, as well as directing and managing external partnerships and outsourcing across a product platform, as appropriate. The Associate Scientific Fellow is also expected to positively impact the scientific development of colleagues through training and mentoring and to promote the department externally by leading or contributing to multidisciplinary technical teams, driving peer-reviewed publications, and participating in external conferences and scientific forums.

Requirements

Bachelors degree and 15+ years relevant industry experience
Masters degree; 13+ years relevant industry experience
PhD; 7+ years relevant industry experience
Extensive experience in CMC pharmaceutical development for active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug products under cGMP’s
Demonstrated deep technical expertise in synthetic molecule process chemistry and late-stage process development.
Proven record of significant technical contributions and scientific leadership within pharmaceutical development.
Experience working in multidisciplinary, cross-functional environments, with accountability for influencing program, departmental, or functional strategy.
Strong understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and their application to process development and manufacturing

Nice To Haves

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills – Applies advanced scientific reasoning to diagnose complex technical issues, assess risk, and develop effective, data-driven solutions under conditions of uncertainty.
Technical Expertise – Recognized specialist in one or more areas of process chemistry, with ability to apply deep mechanistic understanding to solve complex synthetic and process challenges.
Cross-Functional Collaboration – Effectively partners across global, multidisciplinary teams to integrate diverse perspectives and drive successful program outcomes.
Communication Skills – Communicates complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely to a range of audiences, including senior leadership; produces high-quality technical documentation suitable for internal and external use.
Leadership and Influence – Provides technical leadership and uses strong interpersonal skills to influence scientific direction, guide teams, and align stakeholders toward shared objectives.
Knowledge Sharing and Capability Building – Actively captures and disseminates knowledge, contributing to improved processes, scientific standards, and organizational learning.
External Engagement – Demonstrates active involvement in the scientific community through presentations, publications, and engagement with external partners; maintains awareness of emerging trends and technologies.
Organization and Execution – Effectively prioritizes and manages multiple scientific and program objectives, ensuring alignment with project timelines and organizational goals.

Responsibilities

Recognized as a technical expert within Process Chemistry, SMPD, and across Pharm Sci, providing scientific leadership in synthetic molecule process development.
Provides in-lab mentorship and technical guidance to colleagues, elevating scientific rigor and problem-solving capabilities by modeling best practices, reviewing technical approaches, and strengthening overall organizational capability.
Leads and executes complex scientific strategies across multiple late-stage programs, contributing directly through personal laboratory work and by guiding internal and external teams.
Designs and advances robust, scalable drug substance manufacturing processes, ensuring alignment with safety, sustainability, cost, and quality objectives.
Owns technical responsibility for one or more programs or key initiatives, ensuring integration of process understanding into development and manufacturing readiness.
Applies deep technical expertise to identify, assess, and mitigate scientific and process risks, enabling informed decision-making under conditions of uncertainty.
Develops and implements innovative solutions to complex synthetic and process challenges, incorporating emerging technologies and industry best practices.
Ensure strong cross-department collaboration across SMPD (Process Research, Process Analytics, Process Engineering, Process Sciences & Technology, DS Portfolio Leadership), Pharm Sci, and commercial manufacturing partners to ensure effective technology transfer and lifecycle process development.
Leads and manages external partnerships, including CDMOs, academic collaborators, and consultants, to deliver high-quality outcomes aligned with program strategy.
Analyzes experimental data and process trends to build mechanistic understanding, extract key insights, and define forward-looking process strategies.
Contributes to and influences departmental and functional scientific strategy, including identification and development of new capabilities and technology platforms.
Initiates and leads cross-functional or discipline-focused initiatives to address technical gaps and enable broader organizational impact.
Represents the function internally and externally through technical leadership in multidisciplinary teams, publications, patents, and participation in scientific conferences.
Maintains and expands personal scientific expertise and external network to ensure continued innovation and thought leadership within Process Chemistry.