Executive Director, AIRx Program Lead
About The Position
Takeda Research is constructing a Lab of Tomorrow built on AI, automation, new ways of working, and talent with the singular vision of delivering differentiated medicines to the clinic at speed and cost. To catalyze these efforts, Takeda is creating two complementary units: AI Research Accelerator (AIRx) and Lab Automation & Transformation (LAT). AIRx will consist of a dedicated group of experienced drug hunters with the autonomy of a biotech and the resources of a leading pharmaceutical company. It is designed to incubate the future AI-powered operating models and deliver candidates to the clinic at industry leading speed and success rates. As AIRx Program Lead, you will own the end-to-end scientific and strategic direction of 2–3 discovery program within a unit deliberately designed to remove the structural overhead that slows programs down in large pharma. AI-enabled design, externalized wet lab execution, and a direct line to governance: this is the environment elite drug hunters have been waiting for. You will work alongside top computational chemists, AI/ML specialists, and biology experts in a model where the science — not the governance calendar — drives the pace and progress. Programs here move because the structure is built for speed. Your job is to make sure that speed produces the right medicines.
Requirements
- Advanced degree in health or life sciences (PhD, MD, or DVM); PhD strongly preferred
- 15+ years of industry experience with deep subject matter expertise in drug discovery; at least 10 years in scientific leadership roles
- Proven track record leading 5+ programs across discovery from target inception to Candidate Nomination or beyond; minimum 3 INDs required
- Deep knowledge of the drug discovery process: target identification, hit-to-lead, lead optimization, and IND-enabling activities
- Strong AI/ML fluency and digital-forward scientific mindset; experience integrating AI/ML into drug discovery workflows
- Excellent and inclusive leadership; able to inspire and motivate teams towards ambitious goals
- Exceptional communication skills; able to convey complex scientific concepts to senior governance audiences
- Demonstrated success building strategic CRO partnerships; strong business acumen including regulatory and commercial awareness
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage multiple drug discovery projects; oversee the entire discovery process from target identification to preclinical development and IND
- Define, articulate, and evolve the program strategy; build the medicine vision and early asset strategy
- Evaluate and prioritize drug candidates based on scientific, medical, and commercial considerations
- Lead and enable rapid, AI-enabled DMTA cycles, ensuring computational design outputs are translated into clear recommendations and fast, decisive go/no-go outcomes
- Partner with Clinical and Translational teams to refine asset strategy and ensure clinical line of sight from early discovery
- Manage external CROs providing services to the project; ensure timelines are met and data is decision-ready
- Represent Takeda externally for AIRx; evaluate external opportunities and serve as BD ambassador
- Ensure programs are delivered at pace with disciplined cost stewardship, contributing to a sustainable, high-quality pipeline of INDs and informing broader portfolio strategy
Benefits
- 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
- well-being benefits
- up to 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
- up to 120 hours of paid vacation for new hires
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
