Senior Director, AIRx Discovery Biology Lead
Biology
Own the disease biology and target validation strategy across the AIRx portfolio; ensure all programs have mechanistic rationale, clear differentiation, and clinical line of sight
Define translational biomarker strategies supporting go/no-go decisions and future clinical development
Design and provide strategic oversight of CRO-executed in vitro and in vivo biology studies; critically evaluate data packages for scientific quality and decision-readiness
Integrate biology data into AI-enabled DMTA cycles alongside medicinal/computational chemists, DMPK, safety, and structural biology
Challenge scientific assumptions across the team; ensure biological integrity and mechanistic depth underpin all program decisions
Represent biology perspectives at Takeda governance forums; contribute to IND-enabling biology packages
Stay current with disease biology and the competitive landscape; proactively inform the team of relevant developments
Shape how biology is practiced in the AIRx model — your ways of working here will become the template for Takeda Research’s future operating model
Responsibilities
- Direct CRO partners with precision and accountability to generate high-quality, interpretable data that feeds into AI-powered DMTA cycles
- Connect experimental biology to translational strategy and clinical outcomes
Qualifications & Competencies
- PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, pharmacology, or closely related discipline
- 12-15+ years of drug discovery experience with a strong track record in target validation and disease biology
- Proven contributions to IND filings; experience supporting IND-enabling biology packages
- Track record designing and managing externalized CRO biology programs; ability to scope, oversee, and critically interpret study data
- Experience in at least one therapeutic area represented across the Takeda Research portfolio
- Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills; able to operate effectively in a lean, fast-paced team
Additional Information
The position will be based in Cambridge, MA. This position is currently classified as “hybrid” by Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy