Senior Director, AIRx Biochemistry - In Vitro Biology 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. The Biochemist owns the in vitro pharmacology cascade for all AIRx programs. This scientist defines the testing strategy, oversees externalized assay execution through CRO partners, and ensures all biochemical and cellular data generated is high-quality, reproducible, and directly informing go/no-go decisions. This role operates at the intersection of classical pharmacology and AI-enabled data analysis — integrating experimental outputs into the AIRx DMTA loop and contributing to the broader data infrastructure that powers AI-enabled insights generation.
Requirements
- PhD in biochemistry, pharmacology, or cell biology
- 12-15+ years of drug discovery experience with hands-on expertise in biochemical and cell-based assay development and interpretation
- Proven track record designing and managing externalized CRO biochemistry and pharmacology programs
- Ability to critically evaluate and integrate large in vitro datasets from multiple external sources
- Experience in at least one therapeutic area represented across the Takeda Research portfolio
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills; able to work at pace in a lean team environment
Nice To Haves
- Experience with AI/ML data analysis platforms preferred (e.g., automated data pipelines, TetraScience)
- Background in mechanistic and MoA-level characterization alongside standard binding/enzyme/cell assays
Responsibilities
- Design and own the in vitro pharmacology cascade for all AIRx programs across both project teams
- Define CRO assay specifications; provide scientific oversight of externalized assay execution; critically interpret biochemical and cellular data packages
- Integrate biochemical data into AI-enabled DMTA cycles; partner with Computational and Medicinal Chemistry to close design loops rapidly
- Ensure data quality, reproducibility, and standardization across external biology partners; leverage SAIL and Aedifica Fortis platforms for data ingestion and analysis
- Contribute to safety, selectivity, and mechanistic profiling strategies in coordination with internal Safety and DMPK contacts
- Provide scientific input to PRC presentations and governance decision-making forums
- Contribute to harmonization of assay data across sources to support AI model training and insights generation
- Maintain awareness of relevant biochemistry literature and emerging assay technologies to continuously improve the testing cascade
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
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
