Senior Scientist, High-Throughput In Vitro ADME
Takeda
Summary
The Senior Scientist, High-Throughput In Vitro ADME is a scientist experienced in designing and implementing in vitro ADME assays at scale to support small- and large-molecule discovery programs. This role is a key member of a newly formed team designing and building Takeda's high-throughput in vitro ADME capabilities as part of the Labs of Tomorrow initiative, reporting to the Director, High-Throughput In Vitro ADME within the Discovery Automation and Robotics (DAR) department.
Job description
Accountabilities
- Mentor scientists and research associates involved in routine delivery of in vitro ADME assays.
- Demonstrate behaviors consistent with a culture of scientific rigor, operational excellence, safety, and customer focus, supported by clear KPIs.
- Design, execute, and continuously improve assays as part of a broad high-throughput in vitro ADME panel.
- Build and adapt assays to meet the diversity of small-molecule and large-molecule modalities.
- Own assays and associated data from validation through production.
- Bring a laboratory automation and robotics mindset to the in vitro ADME space.
- Champion assay miniaturization to increase throughput while maintaining quality and reducing costs.
- Integrate liquid handlers, plate handlers, robotic arms, incubators, plate readers, mass spectrometers, and scheduling software into end-to-end automated workflows.
- Partner with internal automation/engineering and informatics teams to ensure connectivity between instruments, LIMS/ELN, data pipelines, and analytical platforms.
- Interface with DMPK, medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology, translational sciences, and data science.
- Design and implement assays ensuring scientific quality, data integrity, and safety consistent with Takeda policies and regulatory expectations.
- Maintain KPIs for throughput, on-time delivery, reproducibility, and cost; apply data-driven methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, DoE).
- Participate in investigations and CAPA implementation related to assay performance, automation reliability, or data issues.
Education and Experience
- Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Analytical Chemistry or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience; MS with 9+ years; or BS with 11+ years.
- Expertise in in vitro ADME, including method development, validation, and deployment across core assay types.
- Experience in an organization providing ADME services (e.g., CRO or internal ADME service group), with a strong service- and customer-oriented mindset.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain/own data quality in a time-constrained environment.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with laboratory automation and robotics, including implementation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and coordinating service/support with vendors.
- Successful track record in miniaturizing ADME assays formats, including optimization for data quality, robustness, and throughput.
- Experience supporting small-molecules (required) and large-molecule discovery programs preferred.
- Familiarity with LIMS/ELN, instrument integration, and data analysis/visualization tools in a high-throughput setting.
- Understanding of how in vitro ADME data is integrated into a Discovery Program along with PK/PD, mechanistic ADME and Drug Safety.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Analytical Chemistry or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience; MS with 9+ years; or BS with 11+ years
- Expertise in in vitro ADME, including method development, validation, and deployment across core assay types
- Experience in an organization providing ADME services (e.g., CRO or internal ADME service group)
- Demonstrated ability to maintain/own data quality in a time-constrained environment
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with laboratory automation and robotics, including implementation, troubleshooting, maintenance, coordinating service/support with vendors
- Successful track record in miniaturizing ADME assays formats, including optimization for data quality, robustness, and throughput
- Experience supporting small-molecules (required)
- Familiarity with LIMS/ELN, instrument integration, and data analysis/visualization tools in a high-throughput setting
- Understanding of how in vitro ADME data is integrated into a Discovery Program along with PK/PD, mechanistic ADME and Drug Safety
Company overview
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company founded in 1781 and incorporated in 1925. As one of the world's top 20 largest pharmaceutical companies by revenue and the third largest in Asia, Takeda specializes in developing and commercializing innovative medicines across several therapeutic areas including oncology, rare diseases, neuroscience, gastroenterology, plasma-derived therapies, and vaccines. With approximately 49,095 employees globally, the company operates research and development centers, manufacturing facilities, and commercial operations across 39 U.S. states and numerous countries worldwide. Takeda maintains dual headquarters in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, with significant operations in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where it serves as the largest life sciences employer in the state. The company's patient-focused approach is guided by its Takeda-ism values of Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance, emphasizing a commitment to delivering life-transforming treatments while advancing sustainable healthcare solutions. Takeda's extensive portfolio includes both innovative biologics and small molecule drugs, supported by strategic acquisitions and partnerships that have expanded its capabilities in areas such as immuno-oncology and rare disease treatments.