AIRx, Senior Director, DMPK & Modeling Lead

Job Description

Takeda Research is building a Lab of Tomorrow built on AI, automation, new ways of working, and talent with a vision of delivering differentiated medicines to the clinic at speed and cost. The AI Research Accelerator (AIRx) is one of two complementary units and will create a dedicated group of experienced biologic drug hunters with the autonomy of a biotech and the resources of a leading pharmaceutical company. It will incubate AI-powered operating models for large molecule discovery and deliver candidates to the clinic at industry-leading speed and success rates.

Role Summary

As the AIRx DMPK & Modeling Lead, you will establish the quantitative and mechanistic foundation that drives portfolio decisions, integrating ADME, PK, PBPK/QSP, and AI-enabled modeling to guide programs from target hypothesis to clinical hypothesis. The role operates within a highly externalized, AI-powered discovery model, defining how modeling is used to enable rapid, high-confidence decision making.

Responsibilities

• Direct CRO partners to generate high-quality, interpretable data that feeds into AI-powered DMTA cycles and connects experimental biology to translational strategy and clinical outcomes.
• Own the DMPK, PK/PD, and modeling strategy across the AIRx portfolio. Ensure robust human PK and dose projections, clear exposure → target engagement → efficacy/safety hypotheses, and quantitative line of sight to clinical success.
• Drive model-informed decision making (MIDD) for target, modality, and candidate progression. Establish biomarker and modeling frameworks linking preclinical data to clinical outcomes.
• Embed DMPK and modeling into AI-enabled DMTA cycles, ensuring rapid iteration and learning with in vitro / in vivo ADME data, PK, PBPK, mechanistic models, and AI/ML-driven predictions.
• Design and oversee CRO-based DMPK and modeling activities, build scalable workflows for externalized, AI-enabled operations.
• Challenge scientific assumptions and ensure DMPK integrity and mechanistic depth underpin all program decisions.
• Represent DMPK perspectives at governance forums and contribute to IND-enabling packages.

Technical and Functional Expertise

• Strong expertise in ADME, PK, PK/PD, and application/interpretation of mechanistic modeling from early discovery to development.

Education, Experience and Competencies

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline with 12–15+ years of industry experience in pharmaceutical DMPK and modeling.
• Proven contributions to IND filings and IND-enabling DMPK packages.
• Track record designing and managing externalized CRO DMPK programs; ability to scope, oversee, and critically interpret study data.
• Ability to connect DMPK to clinical hypothesis and translational strategy.
• AI/ML data integration experience; comfortable working with large multi-source datasets.
• Experience in at least one therapeutic area represented across the Takeda Research portfolio.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills; able to operate effectively in a lean, fast-paced team.

Additional Information

The position will be based in Cambridge, MA. This role is classified as hybrid under Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy.

Compensation and Benefits Summary

Location: Boston, MA.

U.S. Base Salary Range: $212,000.00 – $333,190.00. The salary is based on qualifications, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and long-term incentives, medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, short- and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, well-being benefits, up to 80 hours of sick time, and up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

EEO Statement

Takeda is proud of 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

Boston, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes