Head of Characterization Small Molecules
About The Position
Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company that will inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as a Head of Characterization Small Molecules in our Cambridge office. At Takeda, we are transforming the pharmaceutical industry through our R&D-driven market leadership and being a values-led company. To do this, we empower our people to realize their potential through life-changing work. Certified as a Global Top Employer, we offer stimulating careers, encourage innovation, and strive for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our global teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world. Here, you will be a vital contributor to our inspiring, bold mission.
Requirements
- Ph.D. with 5-7+ years, MSc with 10-13+ years, BSc with 12-15+ years of industry experience in a relevant life sciences discipline with in analytical development and characterization.
- Deep experience with advanced characterization techniques (e.g., MS, NMR, microscopy) applied within CMC.
- Strong understanding of analytical development supporting discovery, development, manufacturing, and regulatory submissions.
- Proven scientific leadership, strong communication and collaboration skills, and ability to manage complex priorities and stakeholders.
- Experience supporting regulatory submissions and approval processes.
- Track record in modernizing analytical platforms or introducing new technologies at scale.
- Proven track record of leading teams, developing talent, and driving strategic initiatives.
- Strategic thinking: analyses current and future scenarios, disrupts the status quo with innovation, while remaining pragmatic and focused on priorities
- Results oriented: Demonstrated ability to drive initiatives from concept to execution
- Structured, goal-oriented and highly motivated
- Fluent in English.
- Strong and proven ability to work transversally on a local and global level
Nice To Haves
- Japanese is a plus
Responsibilities
- Define, lead, and deliver the extended characterization strategy across the CMC portfolio to support drug discovery, development, and manufacturing.
- Oversee the implementation, optimization, and application of advanced analytical platforms (e.g., MS, NMR, microscopy, bioassays) to enable deep process and product understanding.
- Identify, evaluate, and integrate emerging analytical and digital technologies to modernize characterization capabilities and improve efficiency and scientific impact.
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing scientific organization, including talent development, succession planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Partner with analytical, DS, DP, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure characterization insights are embedded into development, scale-up, and production decisions.
- Establish and manage strategic external partnerships and enhance organizational reputation through publications, conferences, and thought leadership.
Benefits
- Compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career.
- We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.
- For information about our benefits, please click here.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
