Job Description

About the role:

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 four therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible in order to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide.

If you are a skilled and motivated Scientist with a background in molecular design, protein engineering, and synthetic biology, join Takeda as our Research Senior Scientist - Molecular Design and Protein Engineering where you will play an important role in optimizing cell therapy platforms, e.g., CAR-NK, CAR-γδT, to improve the biological function (potency and persistence) of cell therapy products, based on a solid understanding of innate cell biology, i.e. immune cell activation, survival, proliferation, and function, and cancer/immune biology in the tumor microenvironment. You will lead discovery projects and collaborate with colleagues within the department and cross-function teams to drive the development of Cell Therapy discovery platforms. As part of the Oncology Cell Therapy Innovation team, you will report to the Associate Director of the team.

How you will contribute:

You will utilize your background in molecular design, protein engineering and synthetic biology and collaborate with a team of scientists focusing on designing, optimizing, and engineering the molecular components of the cell therapy products to unlock the full potential of Takeda's innate cell therapy platforms.

Contribute to discovery projects by independently designing and developing well-defined mechanistic experiments and projects within oncology cell therapy research.

Lead from the lab to advance novel and differentiated cell therapy products toward clinical milestones, by working collaboratively with internal cross-functional teams and external partners.

Design, execute, and interpret functional in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo assays to understand the mechanism-of-action and play an active role in subsequent scientific discussions to drive decisions.

Propose novel projects based on internal results, external partners, and published reports and demonstrate leadership through effective communication of study plans/value, and research results.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

PhD degree in Immunology, Biology, Biological/Chemical Engineering, or related discipline with 3 + years' experience, or MS with 9+ years' experience, or BS with 11+ years' experience.

Broad knowledge in molecular and cell biology, protein engineering and immunology, especially in the immuno-oncology cell therapy field required.

Experience with CAR-T, CAR-NK, or other CAR-based immune effector cell therapies is required.

A strong background in CAR/CCR construct design, cytokine engineering, and the application of additional armoring approaches to enhance the functionality and persistence of cell therapy products are highly desirable.

Familiarity with CB-NK and/or γδT cells is preferred but not required.

What Takeda can offer you:

You will collaborate with a team of scientists focusing on designing, optimizing, and engineering the molecular components of the cell therapy products.

Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, Dental, and Vision

Financial Planning & Stability: 401(k) with company match and Annual Retirement Contribution Plan

Health & Wellness programs including onsite flu shots and health screenings

Generous time off for vacation and the option to purchase additional vacation days

Community Outreach Programs and company match of charitable contributions

Family Planning Support

Flexible Ways of Working

Tuition reimbursement

More about us:

At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best in class patient support programs. Takeda is a patient-focused company that will inspire and empower you to grow through life-changing work.

Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.

Base Salary Range: $130,200.00 to $186,000.00, based on candidate professional experience level. Employees may also be eligible for Short-term and Long-Term Incentive benefits as well. Employees are eligible to participate in Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k), Charitable Contribution Match, Holidays, Personal Days & Vacation, Tuition Reimbursement Program and Paid Volunteer Time Off. The final salary offered for this position may take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, location, skills, education, and experience.