Director, Head of DNA-Encoded Library (DEL)

About the role

Provide scientific and strategic leadership for the development and application of DNA-encoded library (DEL) technologies to accelerate small-molecule discovery. Create Takeda’s DEL strategy and build a team to enable DEL screening in house. Lead the design and build of DEL libraries, oversee DEL selections and data analysis, and guide cross-functional teams from hit identification through hit-to-lead progression.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement internal and external DEL screening strategies aligned with discovery program objectives.
• Build a team to fully execute DEL in house at Takeda.
• Lead the design, synthesis/acquisition, characterization, and quality assessment of DEL libraries.
• Oversee DEL selection campaigns, including target preparation, assay design, controls, and experimental execution.
• Direct DEL data processing, quality control, statistical analysis, and interpretation.
• Evaluate DEL hits and establish prioritization strategies based on potency, selectivity, enrichment, chemical tractability, and developability.
• Lead or coordinate hit identification, hit validation, resynthesis, and confirmation activities.
• Partner with medicinal chemistry, biology, biophysics, structural biology, computational chemistry, DMPK, and project leadership teams to advance DEL-derived hits through hit-to-lead.
• Provide scientific guidance on on-DNA reaction development, DNA-compatible chemistry, building-block selection, and library design.
• Establish platform capabilities, workflows, standards, and best practices for DEL screening and data analysis.
• Present scientific strategy, results, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and project teams.
• Build external collaborations and maintain awareness of emerging DEL technologies, methods, and competitive advances.
• Mentor and develop scientists while fostering a collaborative, innovative, and scientifically rigorous culture.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic and innovative scientific thinker
• Collaborative and inclusive team leader
• Strong cross-functional influencer
• Results-oriented and accountable
• Skilled at translating complex data into clear decisions
• Effective mentor and people developer
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, matrixed environment

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry or a related scientific discipline with 10+ years of relevant industry experience in drug discovery, DEL technology, or a closely related field; or MS in a relevant scientific discipline with 16+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in:
  • DEL library design and synthesis
  • On-DNA chemistry and DNA-compatible reaction development
  • DEL selection design and execution
  • DEL data analysis and hit triage
  • Hit identification, validation, and hit-to-lead activities
• Proven ability to define and execute DEL strategies across multiple discovery programs.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrixed research environment.
• Strong record of scientific innovation, collaboration, and delivery of high-quality discovery outcomes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, project leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with both affinity-based and functional DEL screening approaches.
• Knowledge of sequencing technologies, bioinformatics, enrichment analysis, and DEL data-management platforms.
• Experience integrating DEL data with structural biology, computational chemistry, and medicinal chemistry.
• Track record of advancing DEL-derived chemical matter into lead optimization or development programs.
• Experience managing external vendors, academic collaborations, or technology partnerships.
• Evidence of scientific leadership through publications, patents, or conference presentations.

Pay

For Location: Boston, MA, the U.S. base salary range is $177,000.00 - $278,080.00. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant, 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.

Benefits

• Eligibility for short-term and/or long-term incentives.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Basic life insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Paid volunteer time off.
• Company holidays.
• Well-being benefits.
• Up to 80 hours of sick time per calendar year.
• New hires eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.