Executive Director, AIRx Program Lead

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Takeda Research is constructing a Lab of Tomorrow 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 Discovery Automation & Robotics (DAR).

AIRxwill 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

AsAIRxProgram Lead you willowntheend-to-endscientific and strategic directionof23 discovery programwithinaunit deliberately designed toremovethe structural overhead that slows programs down in large pharma. AI-enabled design externalized wet lab execution and a direct line to governance: this is the environment elite drug hunters have been waiting for.

You will work alongside top computational chemists AI/ML specialists and biology experts in a model wherethe science not the governance calendar drives the paceand progress. Programs here move because the structure is built for speed. Your job is to make sure that speed produces the right medicines.

A proventrack recordof leading at least 3 discovery programs toclinicisrequired.

Accountabilities

• Lead and manage multiple drug discovery projects; oversee the entire discovery process from target identification to preclinical development and IND
• Define articulate and evolvetheprogram strategy; build the medicine vision and early asset strategy
• Evaluate and prioritize drug candidates based on scientific medical and commercial considerations
• Lead and enablerapid AI-enabled DMTA cyclesensuringcomputational design outputsare translated intoclearrecommendationsandfast decisivego/no-go outcomes
• Partner with Clinical and Translational teams to refine asset strategy and ensure clinical line of sight from early discovery
• Manage external CROs providing services to the project; ensure timelines are met and data is decision-ready
• Represent Takeda externally forAIRx; evaluate external opportunities and serve as BD ambassador
• Ensure programs are delivered at pace withdisciplined cost stewardshipcontributingto a sustainablehigh-qualitypipeline ofINDsand informing broader portfolio strategy

Qualifications & Competencies

• Advanced degree in health or life sciences (PhD MD or DVM); PhD strongly preferred
• 15years of industry experience with deep subject matterexpertisein drug discovery; at least 10 years in scientific leadership roles
• Proventrack recordleading 5 programs across discovery from targetinceptionto Candidate Nomination or beyond; minimum 3 INDsrequired
• Deep knowledge of the drug discovery process: target identification hit-to-lead lead optimization and IND-enabling activities
• StrongAI/ML fluency and digital-forward scientificmindset; experience integrating AI/ML into drug discovery workflows
• Excellent and inclusive leadership; able to inspire and motivate teams towards ambitious goals
• Exceptional communication skills; able to convey complex scientific concepts to senior governance audiences
• Demonstrated success building strategic CRO partnerships; strong business acumen including regulatory and commercial awareness

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.

Job Exempt