Global Therapeutic Research Lead - Small Molecule - Immunology

Research Project Leader for at least one or more of Takeda's top priority projects with substantial clinical and commercial potential with a clear accelerated path to the clinic. You will provide mentorship to team members to elevate enterprise thinking and capabilities of our drug discovery talent across the global Research function.

As project core team lead, the GTRL builds a connected view of the project within the Gastroenterology and Inflammation TA strategy and treatment paradigm and can represent all core expertise at depth and align with stakeholders and sponsors across the organization including Research, Clinical Development and Commercial stakeholders and executive level governance committees.

G-TRLs are responsible for creating the medicine vision, early asset strategy and managing multiple external partnerships that accelerate delivery of the project. G-TRLs will establish smart, fast, and critical path minded practices for groups, including integrating new strategies and competitive industry ways of working. G-TRL will advise on the continuous infusion of new Research projects aligned to strategy to generate a sustainable Research Engine generating a steady flow of high-quality INDs every year.

Accountabilities

• Lead and manage one or more high-priority drug discovery projects, overseeing the entire drug discovery process from target identification to preclinical development.
• Leverage full range of drug-hunting skillset with core modalities that must include small molecule therapeutic discovery expertise although familiarity with biologics is preferred
• Responsible for the articulation and ownership of the project strategy, developed in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategy for future portfolio investment, particularly within the Inflammation and Immunology area including advising on which projects should be prioritized within the portfolio strategy.
• Evaluate and prioritize potential drug candidates based on scientific, medical, and commercial considerations.
• Represent all core expertise for the project.
• Partner with Clinical and Translational teams to refine asset strategy.
• Ensure alignment to the therapeutic area strategy (i.e., Clinical Development).
• Understand and align with the commercial team for asset commercial value within the TA.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to global project team members, stimulating enterprise thinking and fostering their professional growth and development.
• Mentor future and more junior project leads and elevate drug discovery capability across Research.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and partners (e.g., DMPK, Pharmaceutical Sciences) within and outside Takeda to drive project delivery.
• Pipeline and enterprise impact through effective partnering with multiple internal and external collaborators.
• Provide strategic, process, and operational leadership for successful project delivery.
• Foster a culture of innovation and scientific excellence within the matrixed drug discovery team, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
• Become a world leading scientific expert in the projects you lead.
• Oversee the design and execution of experiments, data analysis, and interpretation to enable decision-making and optimize drug discovery efforts.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in drug discovery including AI/ML-driven discovery, and other industry trends, applying this knowledge to enhance drug discovery strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners inclusive of serving on joint external governance committees across the globe.
• Represent Takeda externally for the Gastroenterology and Inflammation Drug Discovery Unit and play a key role in evaluating external opportunities, serving as an effective ambassador for Takeda's global business development brand.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral)

• Advanced degree in health or life sciences (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M.)
• Expected to have at least 10-12 years industry and relevant subject matter expertise within Immunology and Inflammation and at least 10-12 years global management experience, including working effectively with matrix teams.
• Extensive experience in leading drug discovery teams and managing drug discovery/development projects, preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting covering gastroenterology and inflammation.
• Deep understanding of the drug discovery process, including target identification, hit-to-lead optimization, and preclinical development leveraging both traditional practice as well as AI/ML – driven techniques that enable faster delivery of better products to patients
• Proven track record of leading numerous projects, ideally 5+ projects, across discovery from target inception to Candidate Nomination and beyond.
• Must have extensive experience in small molecule drug discovery preferably having delivered multiple compounds to the clinic
• Excellent and inclusive leadership with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams towards achieving ambitious goals.
• Reputation as a proactive, solutions-oriented leader who engages relevant expertise no matter where it resides.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, including regulatory requirements and commercial considerations with relevant knowledge and expertise for specific modalities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders across a matrixed organization.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on data-driven decision making.
• Demonstrated success in building and managing strategic partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry collaborators.