Director, Small Molecule In Vitro Pharmacology (IVP)

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Job Description
Objective / Purpose:
The Director, Small Molecule In Vitro Pharmacology (IVP) plays a pivotal role in small molecule drug discovery research by contributing to the identification of bona fide hit molecules and providing deep insights into the in vitro pharmacological profiles of hit/lead series in close collaboration with medicinal chemists.
Additionally, the role oversees external programs at CROs, including the design and management of diverse types of assays, execution, and acceleration of the iterative Design-Make-Test-Analyze (DMTA) cycles conducted exclusively at these organizations. These responsibilities encompass significant scientific contributions, both strategic and tactical, that directly impact the progression of Takeda's pipeline and scientific objectives.
Accountabilities

• Lead the in vitro pharmacology efforts for proprietary, differentiated small molecule asset generation projects across therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, oncology, and gastrointestinal/inflammatory diseases. Collaborate closely with medicinal chemistry leads to design and implement in vitro screening cascades, conduct high-throughput screening and hit validation, perform SAR screenings for hit/lead optimization, and analyze hit/lead series in depth to provide scientific insights.
• Proactively leverage external CRO capabilities by integrating both internal and external expertise to establish an efficient and productive operational framework. Balance short-term and long-term perspectives to ensure sustainable support for an increasing number of projects.
• Act as an In Vitro Pharmacology representative to support the initiation of new projects by contributing significant insights into asset generation strategies and drafting tactical research plans with robust screening cascades to identify valid hit molecules. Lead and manage hit generation activities following the formal initiation of projects.
• Build and foster strong internal and external collaborations by aligning with key stakeholders, including internal biology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, computational sciences, and structural biology/protein chemistry teams. Collaborate extensively within interdisciplinary research teams in a matrix format (functional/report-line teams and research project teams) to advance discovery programs.
• Serve as an inspirational global subject matter expert in Small Molecule In Vitro Pharmacology, cultivating a culture of innovation and scientific excellence through the application of cutting-edge technologies and the latest scientific approaches.
• Mentor and develop talent within the Global Chemistry organization and the broader in vitro pharmacology community at Takeda. Ensure internal functions evolve sustainably by staying at the forefront of science and technology. Act as a role model for ethical decision-making by understanding and adhering to both local and global compliance regulations.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

• PhD in a scientific discipline related to molecular biology field with 10+ years of relevant experience in pharma
• Experience in the pharmaceutical industry with a demonstrated track record of supporting cross-functional teams to generate validated hit/lead molecules that progressed to candidate molecules. Preferably, IVP leadership experience for over 10 cycles of hit/lead generation projects, including high-throughput screening (HTS) and hit validation.
• Deep and diverse knowledge of in vitro assays, including biophysical assays, biochemical assays, cell-based assays, and small molecule screenings, utilizing both internal and external (CRO) resources. Proficient in data processing and using software platforms for data archiving considering future use in cheminformatics and drug design.
• Proven experience in managing CROs for hit/lead generation and optimization with a solid understanding of both business and scientific disciplines. Familiarity with relevant external communities such as The Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS).
• Passion for advancing in vitro pharmacology capabilities and drug discovery pipelines, including the proactive exploration of new techniques, innovative experimental approaches, advanced software, hardware/cloud capabilities, and AI/ML-driven methods.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with a commitment to fostering an inclusive culture. Demonstrated ability to lead global hit generation teams, collaborate effectively across disciplines, and exhibit enterprise thinking with the influence to lead without formal authority.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary
We understand 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 Location:
Boston, MA
U.S. Base Salary Range:
$174,500.00 - $274,230.00
The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.
U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/ or long-term incentives. 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.
EEO Statement
Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.
Locations
Boston, MA
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time
Job Exempt
Yes
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