Senior Director, DMPK&M, Therapeutic Area Lead - GI2

Takeda•Boston, MA

About The Position

The GI2 Therapeutic Area Lead in DMPK&M provides scientific and strategic leadership across the Gastrointestinal & Inflammation portfolio, supervising DMPK&M project representatives and Modeling & Simulation scientists who support Takeda’s research pipeline. The role oversees DMPK&M portfolio strategy and execution, including project plans, translation and dose-optimization strategies, and regulatory filing review. It contributes to therapeutic-area discussions, portfolio strategy, and global DMPK&M business operations, and is a member of the Global DMPK&M leadership team, helping shape department strategy, culture, and partnerships across Research and Development. The role provides stage-appropriate scientific guidance to support the selection and development of clinical candidates with optimal drug-development characteristics. It builds external scientific networks, advises on and approves milestone presentations and PRC narratives, and oversees and participates in regulatory activities, including review and approval of submission packages for the GI2 area. As the DMPK&M functional representative in governance and prioritization discussions, the lead aligns DMPK&M strategy with DDU and TAU portfolio goals. The position collaborates with senior leaders, consults with DMPK leadership to align resources and goals, supports in-licensing evaluations, and leads organizational capability and culture development through partnerships across Takeda. The role requires global, cross-functional leadership, sound decision-making, communication, coaching, and the ability to navigate complex internal and external environments.

Requirements

PhD in a scientific discipline with 15+ years of experience, or MS with 21+ years of experience, or BS with 23+ years of experience.
At least 9 years of industry experience in pharmaceutical DMPK and modeling.
Deep drug discovery and development experience and profound DMPK&M expertise.
Experience managing preclinical scientists and preparing INDs, CTDs, NDAs, and MAAs.
Good understanding of the GI2 DDU/TAU project portfolio, disease indications, and typical DMPK&M considerations for patients.
In-depth knowledge of the functional area, business strategies, and company goals.
Track record of sustained, significant scientific contributions in DMPK and modeling, demonstrated through publications and presentations.
Exceptional leadership, coaching, and employee-development skills.
Ability to work strategically in cross-functional teams and a matrix environment.
Excellent written, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
Proactive, innovative approach and good problem-solving skills.
Ability to collaborate across functions, regions, and cultures; communicate complex ideas clearly; and build credibility and confidence with internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of DMPK project representatives and modeling scientists supporting research projects.
Provide strategic planning and scientific oversight for the GI2 discovery and development portfolio.
Support the DMPK&M Head in executing the DMPK&M vision and mission.
Provide scientific leadership and strategic guidance on stage-appropriate DMPK&M questions to support selection and development of clinical candidates.
Build and maintain an external network to monitor scientific developments, strategies, partnership opportunities, and competitive and regulatory landscapes relevant to GI2.
Advise on, review, and approve DMPK&M milestone presentations and PRC narratives.
Oversee and participate in regulatory activities, including review and approval of submission packages for the GI2 therapeutic area.
Represent DMPK&M in governance committees and discussions on prioritization, strategy, resources, timelines, and decision-making criteria.
Align DMPK&M strategy with DDU and TAU portfolio goals and collaborate with their senior leaders on needs, strategy, and execution plans.
Consult with DMPK leadership to align resources and goals, and collaborate with the Global DMPK&M leadership team on project resourcing.
Resource and review in-licensing evaluations for the therapeutic area.
Build organizational culture and capabilities and strengthen alliances across Takeda’s Research and Development organizations.
Coach and develop employees and build teams across functions and geographies.
Represent the function in negotiations and resolve conflict constructively.