Job Description

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 GI2-Drug Discovery Unit at Takeda is building a new team of experienced, innovative and collaborative drug discovery scientists to build an industry-leading portfolio of drugs for a range of inflammatory diseases with high unmet medical.

We are seeking an experienced research scientist and drug hunter to lead biology and cross-functional drug discovery teams focused on inflammatory and autoimmune disease.

The Director Inflammatory Disease Research will:

Be responsible for driving internal and external partnered research from new target identification, and technology platform development through early clinical proof-of-concept, to create therapeutic opportunities for patients with Inflammatory diseases.
Recruit, retain, and develop a world class, highly innovative Inflammation research group
Be a strong scientific thinker with significant experience leading discovery and development of therapies for inflammatory diseases
Lead the identification of novel innovative inflammation drug discovery and developmental science through the preclinical pipeline in support of candidate selection, as a key part of this role
Be accountable for defining and alignment on the preclinical and early clinical inflammation disease research elements for one or more drug discovery projects in partnership with other research leaders
Interface with the business development group and review innovative external opportunities
Help maintain the Takeda culture that promotes creativity, open communication, collaboration, collegiality, and a high sense of urgency. Maintain the highest quality of scientific foundations of the company’s drug discovery process.

Accountabilities:

Lead research programs in collaboration with internal and external partners focused on the development of novel drug candidates for the treatment of inflammatory disease
Have extensive experience developing and/or evaluating novel small molecule, biologic or nucleic acid therapeutics
Support, evaluate and/or identify business development opportunities to enhance project and/or pipeline progression
Be a highly collaborative and energetic scientist with superior communication skills, who can balance multiple, collaborative projects and act as senior scientific consultant to and leader of early-stage matrix project teams
Invests time in helping others to enhance their skills and perform at a higher level.
Build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with other interfacing Takeda functions.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

PhD degree in Immunology or a closely related discipline with 10+ years’ experience
7 years of Industry experience required
7 years of managerial experience required

Desired technical skills

Knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects drug discovery and development for Inflammatory or Autoimmune diseases through to POC, including contributing to regulatory documentation
Experienced with validation of drug targets and the exploratory drug development process with a proven track record of developing and leading innovative therapeutic programs in the biopharmaceutical industry
Extensive experience developing and/or evaluating novel small molecule, biologic or nucleic acid therapeutics
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. 
Desired behavioral competencies
Forward thinking with the ability to recommend, influence and implement organizational change and continuous innovation.
Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with other interfacing Takeda functions. 
Comfortable challenging the status quo and bringing forward innovative solutions.
Ability to take risks implementing innovative solutions, accelerating time to market
Proven skills as an effective team player who can engender credibility and confidence within and outside the company

This position is currently classified as “hybrid” by Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy.

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.