Scientist I, Investigative Toxicology

Objective / Purpose

In this role, you will develop and deliver automated in vitro and AI/ML toxicology models to deliver safer & more effective medicines to patients, faster. AI/ML models will integrate knowledge of drug candidate target, structure and advanced in vitro models to accelerate and improve drug candidate safety assessment.

Your primary responsibility will be to deliver decision-making data to accelerate the delivery of quality drug candidates to IND.

Using Automation, AI & machine learning, you will:

• Work as part of a global team of safety assessment scientists to detect and de-risk toxicities associated Takeda assets.
• Deliver key data via screening strategies that enable early safety assessment to drive the progression of optimized therapeutic candidates.
• Conduct cell-based in vitro assays to characterize toxicities for medicines in discovery & development.
• Develop novel in vitro model systems to assess safety risks associated with Takeda assets.

The Global Investigative Toxicology team leads in vitro and in silico work critical for detecting and de-risking toxicity in drug candidates throughout Takeda’s portfolio to help make medicines safer and more effective.

Accountabilities

• Use AI/ML to develop, design, execute, and interpret in vitro cell-based assays to characterize diverse mechanisms of toxicity with a focus on oncology, neuroscience, and GI therapeutics.
• Tissue culture of immortalized cancer cell lines and human primary cells using both manual and automated techniques.
• Prepare experimental protocols, analyse experimental data, and present study results in team and department meetings.
• Facilitate integration of AI/ML within investigative toxicology and with key collaborators, including pharmacology, DMPK, and bioinformatics.
• Leverage automated platforms to run routine, well-established screening assays to prioritize assets based on safety.
• Partner with automation and technology teams to drive innovative approaches to leverage technology to facilitate highly efficient running of assays and apply cutting-edge techniques.
• Initiate new experimental approaches to specific problems using scientific theory and technical literature.
• Use defined practices and theoretical knowledge to perform analysis, interpret results, and determine appropriate action.
• Utilize relevant information, technology, and resources to contribute to complex team problem resolution and objectives.
• Prepare and present comprehensive technical or project reports and formal presentations/posters to a full range of internal and external audiences.
• Follow good documentation practices.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral)

• Ph.D. with 0–1 years, MS with 6+ years, or BS with 8+ years of experience in biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• Experience using AI/ML tools to facilitate in vitro data analysis.
• Experience working in a matrixed team environment at a pharmaceutical company and/or CRO.
• Basic experience with molecular biology techniques, including RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, and western blot.
• Natural aptitude for technology, instrumentation and automation.
• Broad scientific knowledge in molecular and cellular biology, immunology, pharmacology, or toxicology.
• Expertise with standard aseptic cell culture techniques, including experience culturing various cell types. Experience with culturing and differentiating primary cells is a plus.
• Experience with R, Python, and other coding languages is a plus.
• Broad experience with cell-based functional assays. Experience with cell transfection/transduction, imaging, and flow cytometry is a plus.
• Self-motivated with strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance multiple projects and remain flexible with changing priorities.
• Highly collaborative.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.