Senior Director, AIRx Computational Chemistry

By clicking the Apply button I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takedas Privacy Notice and Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.

Job Description

Senior Director Computational Chemistry

Takeda Research is constructing the Discovery Automation & Robotics (DAR) group built on AI automation new ways of working and talent with the singular vision of delivering differentiated medicines to the clinic at speed and cost. To catalyze these efforts Takeda is creating two complementary units: AI Research Accelerator (AIRx) and The Discovery Automation & Robotics (DAR) group.

AIRx will consist of a dedicated group of experienced drug hunters with the autonomy of a biotech and the resources of a leading pharmaceutical company. It is designed to incubate the future AI-powered operating models and deliver candidates to the clinic at industry leading speed and success rates.

Purpose

Reporting to the Head of AIRx the AIRx Computational Chemist sits at the scientific heart of AIRxs AI-first operating model. This role drives in silico molecular design leverages predictive models and applies generative chemistry to power rapid DMTA cycles directly enabling the speed and precision that define the AIRx incubator In AIRx computational chemistry is a first-order decision-making function generative proposals from this role directly shape what gets synthesized what gets deprioritized and ultimately what reaches the clinic. The role is deeply hands-on with a unique opportunity to directly shape candidates that advance to the clinic through close collaboration with the wider AIRx design team.

Accountabilities

• Apply generative AI structure-based design free energy perturbation and predictive ML models to design and prioritize chemical matter
• Partner closely with Medicinal Chemists to translate computational outputs into actionable synthesis priorities; challenge and be challenged in equal measure
• Lead and oversee virtual screening campaigns ADMET predictions and selectivity assessments to inform and accelerate design decisions
• Contribute to building and refining AI/ML model training datasets from AIRx experimental outputs
• Develop and maintain computational workflows that increase team speed and reproducibility
• Interpret and integrate structural biology data (X-ray cryo-EM) into computational design strategies
• Communicate complex computational findings clearly to cross-disciplinary colleagues and governance forums
• Stay current with advances in generative AI protein structure prediction and ML methods; proactively apply new approaches

Qualifications & Competencies

• PhD in computational chemistry cheminformatics biophysics or closely related discipline
• 1215 years of drug discovery experience with demonstrated track record of computational impact on programs
• Proficiency across computational tools: molecular docking MD simulation FEP QSAR/ADMET modeling
• Strong coding skills (Python required); experience building and deploying ML models in a drug discovery context
• Experience with structure-based drug design; ability to interpret crystallography or cryo-EM data
• Experience applying generative AI or large language models to molecular design preferred
• Collaborative communicative and comfortable at the wet/dry scientific interface

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The position will be based in Cambridge MA. This position is currently classified as hybrid by Takedas Hybrid and Remote Work policy

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location:

U.S. Base Salary Range:

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position 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 actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/ or long-term incentives. U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical dental vision insurance a 401(k) plan and company match short-term and long-term disability coverage basic life insurance a tuition reimbursement program paid volunteer time off company holidays and well-being benefits among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive per calendar year up to 80 hours of sick time and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

EEO Statement

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity gender expression parental status national origin age disability citizenship status genetic information or characteristics marital status status as a Vietnam era veteran special disabled veteran or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal state and local laws and any other characteristic protected by law.

Locations

Worker Type

Worker Sub-Type

Time Type

Job Exempt