Senior Scientist, Cellular Lead Profiling (Automation)

Takeda•Boston, MA

About The Position

At Takeda, we are a forward-looking, world-class R&D organization that unlocks innovation and delivers transformative therapies to patients. By focusing R&D efforts on three therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide. Objective / Purpose: The Senior Scientist will play a pivotal role in Takeda’s “Lab of the Future” initiative, driving the design, miniaturization, and execution of robust cellular assays on fully automated, integrated platforms. Leveraging advanced automation systems and statistical analysis, this individual will ensure high-throughput, reproducible, and high-quality data generation to support iterative AI-integrated Design–Make–Test–Analyze (DMTA) cycles for both small- and large-molecule discovery. The Senior Scientist will partner closely with Drug Discovery Units (DDUs), chemistry, data sciences, and automation engineering to translate complex cellular data into actionable insights that accelerate portfolio progression and enable data-driven decision-making. This role contributes to critical function delivery as follows: Accelerates Discovery through Automation and AI-Integrated DMTA: Designs and executes cellular assays in 384- and 1,536-well formats on fully automated, robotic platforms with integrated workflows, enabling rapid, high-throughput testing and iterative optimization. Ensures Data Quality and Scientific Rigor: Applies statistical methodologies to evaluate assay performance (e.g., Z’ factor, S/B, curve-fit confidence) and maintains reproducibility and reliability of decision-enabling datasets. Drives Cross-Functional Impact: Partners with DDUs, chemistry, and data science teams to interpret cellular data in the context of SAR, disease biology, and mechanism-of-action, informing compound progression and portfolio decisions.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Chemical Biology, or related discipline with at least 2+ years of industry experience; OR M.S. with 8+ years; OR B.S. with 10+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D.
Hands-on experience developing, optimizing, and executing High Content Assays (HCA), with strong experience in GPCR and ion channel assay development and screening, and familiarity with assay modalities such as reporter gene, CTG, HTRF, AlphaScreen, NanoBRET, HiBiT, MSD, and qPCR for primary, secondary, and mechanistic profiling.
Experience in hit-to-lead and lead optimization support, including interpreting cellular data in the context of SAR and portfolio strategy.
Working knowledge of integrated HTS automation systems and robotic platforms, including programming, configuring, and troubleshooting liquid handlers (e.g., Echo, Hamilton, Beckman, Agilent).
Experience embedding AI/ML and advanced analytics into DMTA processes and decision-making
Hands-on familiarity with scheduling software, LIMS/ELN, and data pipeline tools commonly used in automated labs.
Proficiency in data analysis and figure generation using tools such as Dotmatics, Spotfire or GraphPad.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly matrixed, cross-functional environment while managing multiple priorities and contribute to mentoring or guiding junior scientific staff.
Developing and validating cellular assays for drug discovery.
Demonstrated strong experience in GPCR and ion channel assay development and screening, including hands-on expertise with FLIPR system platforms and automated patch-clamp technologies such as SyncroPatch 384PE in at least 384-well high-throughput formats.
Proven experience working with small-molecule compound or CRISPR libraries in high-throughput screening (HTS) and lead optimization contexts.
Strong statistical and analytical skills for assay quality assessment, including Z’, CV, signal-to-background, and curve-fit confidence.
Running assays on fully automated, robotic platforms in high-throughput environments.
Successful miniaturization of assays to at least 384-well and preferably 1,536-well plate formats.

Responsibilities

Advance Automated Cellular Lead Profiling Design, develop, optimize, and validate disease-relevant cellular assays supporting hit identification, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization programs in oncology and gastrointestinal diseases.
Drive assay miniaturization to 384- and 1,536-well formats, ensuring robustness, reproducibility, and biological relevance.
Implement statistically rigorous assay performance standards (e.g., Z’ factor, signal-to-background, CV, curve-fit quality metrics) to ensure data integrity and confidence in decision-making.
Deliver timely IC50 determinations and mechanistic cellular data to support iterative DMTA cycles across small- and large-molecule modalities.
Interpret cellular data in the context of SAR, disease biology, and target mechanism to inform compound progression.
Continuously improve workflows to shorten cycle times and increase throughput while maintaining quality.
Develop and execute assays on fully automated robotic platforms, including liquid handling systems, acoustic dispensing, high-content imaging, and multimode detection technologies.
Partner with automation engineers to design scalable, modular workflows aligned with Lab of the Future principles.
Contribute to seamless integration of instrumentation with LIMS/ELN systems, scheduling software, and digital data pipelines to enable end-to-end automation.
Apply advanced statistical analysis and visualization tools to assess assay robustness, variability, and data quality.
Ensure datasets are standardized, curated, and appropriately annotated to support AI/ML-driven analytics and cross-program insights.
Contribute to data governance practices that promote longitudinal learning across Takeda’s discovery portfolio.
Partner closely with DDUs, data sciences, translational sciences, and medicinal chemistry to advance program objectives.
Communicate findings clearly in cross-functional forums and contribute to scientific discussions that shape portfolio decisions.
Uphold Takeda’s values of Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance in all scientific and operational activities.

Benefits

U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in 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, and well-being benefits, among others.
U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

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