Global Therapeutic Research Lead, Oncology – Biologics

Takeda•Boston, MA

42d

About The Position

Are you a biotech or pharma executive ready to shape the future of oncology drug discovery—particularly in the rapidly evolving field of biologics? As a key member of Takeda’s Oncology Drug Discovery Unit (ODDU) Leadership Team, the Global Therapeutic Research Lead (GTRL) will set the vision for next-generation oncology discovery. This leader is accountable for discovering and advancing differentiated biologics therapies by translating deep understanding of tumor and immune biology into clinically meaningful results for patients. You will champion the integration of AI/ML-driven approaches and future-forward ways of working, ensuring ODDU remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and patient impact. In this highly visible role, you will define the biologics drug discovery strategy for transformative oncology medicines and represent Takeda at the highest levels across scientific, strategic, and external forums. The GTRL ensures that strategies for biologics drug discovery are fully integrated across the ODDU portfolio and leveraged to accelerate high impact programs.

Requirements

Deep oncology expertise with broad therapeutic awareness.
Major contributions to multiple INDs and a proven track record advancing biologics oncology programs into the clinic.
Deep expertise in antibody‑based and multifunctional biologics—including multi‑specifics, immune modulators, tumor‑targeted biologics, and Fc/payload‑enabled formats.
Strong leadership in matrixed environments and a passion for AI/ML‑driven discovery.
Proven ability to build, lead, and inspire high‑performing teams.
Exceptional communication skills and external presence to advance programs and collaborations.
Ph.D. or equivalent in life sciences with 15+ years in discovery and preclinical development, including 10+ years in leadership.

Responsibilities

Scientific & Strategic Leadership (Discovery to IND)
Ensure all programs have strong mechanistic rationale, clear differentiation hypotheses, and clinical line of sight.
Integrate AI/ML and digital approaches into biologics drug discovery and help shape ODDU’s long-term research vision.
Continuously assess the external oncology landscape to inform strategy and guide biologics portfolio evolution.
Uphold scientific excellence, operational rigor, urgency, and a culture of innovation and high-quality decisionmaking.
Extensive experience with bringing biologic drugs to IND in oncology. These include multi-specific antibodies, immune modulators, Fc- or payload-driven formats, and tumor-targeted therapies.
Guide modality selection based on biology, mechanism, and clinical need.
Own early asset strategy and lead cross-functional program teams from discovery through IND.
Advance biologics programs through key milestones, including development candidate nomination and IND-enabling activities.
Manage external partnerships to support high-confidence IND submissions and a sustainable research engine.
Develop and communicate integrated program strategies across internal and external stakeholders.
Mentor emerging scientific and operational leaders; develop biologics drug discovery capabilities across the organization.
Foster a culture that encourages scientific rigor, constructive challenge, continuous learning, and urgency to advance impactful medicines to patients.
Contribute to enterprise-level research initiatives and shape a broader organizational strategy.
Represent Takeda and ODDU across academic, biotech, industry, and business development forums.
Strengthen external collaborations that enhance innovation in biologics drug discovery and accelerate program execution.
Participate in evaluating external innovation opportunities, including partnerships, collaborations, in-licensing, and acquisitions.
Own progression, prioritization, and termination decisions for oncology biologics programs based on rigorous data-driven criteria.
Promote early discontinuation of non-differentiated or insufficiently validated programs to maintain a high-impact research engine.
Contribute to enterprise-level portfolio governance, strategic investment decisions, and long-range planning.