Senior Director, AIRx Biologics Discovery Lead (BOSTON)

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Job Description

About the role

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).

AIRx will have a group of a dedicated group of experienced biologic 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 for large molecule discovery and deliver candidates to the clinic at industry leading speed and success rates.

Purpose

As AIRx Biologics Discovery Lead, you will lead the end-to-end biologics discovery from lead generation, optimization to final candidate selection of 2–3 large molecule discovery programs within a unit deliberately designed to remove the structural overhead that slows programs down in large pharma. AI-enabled protein design, internal or externalized wet lab execution with state of Art platforms, and a direct line to governance: this is the environment elite biologic drug hunters have been waiting for.

You will work with highly experienced leaders with proven track record of delivering multiple large molecule INDs, top computational protein scientists, AI/ML specialists, CMC partners and translational biology experts in a model where the science, not the governance calendar, drives the pace and progress. This is a role for a leader who knows how to deliver speed and innovation integrating AI/ML based biologics discovery, automated high throughput platforms with deep understanding of CMC as well as pharmacology of biologics drugs.

A proven track record of leading at least 2 biologic discovery programs to clinic is required.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead Biologics Discovery: Drive biologics discovery for multiple programs from target and modality selection through candidate nomination, preclinical development transition, and IND filing
• Discovery strategy and implementation: Establish and execute discovery strategies across antibodies, bispecifics, fusion proteins, and emerging modalities with clear CMC and clinical line-of-sight
• Integrate AI and automation: Embed AI-driven protein design, computational modeling, and high-throughput experimental platforms to accelerate cycle times and improve design quality
• Enable decision-making: Evaluate and prioritize biologic candidates based on scientific, clinical, CMC, and commercial considerations; balance potency, selectivity, half-life, immunogenicity risk, and expression yield in go/no-go decisions
• Optimize molecules: Lead sequence optimization, affinity maturation, Fc engineering, and developability optimization through integrated computational and experimental approaches
• Manage external execution: Oversee CROs/CDMOs to ensure delivery of high-quality, decision-ready data on aggressive timelines
• External engagement: Represent AIRx externally; assess platform technologies, novel modalities, and serve as BD subject matter expert evaluating external assets
• Portfolio impact: Deliver biologics discovery with disciplined cost stewardship while contributing to a sustainable pipeline of biologics INDs

Qualifications & Competencies

• Expected Education and Industry Experience:
• Advanced degree in protein biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, immunology, or related life sciences (PhD, MD, or DVM); PhD strongly preferred; and
• 15+ years of industry experience with deep subject matter expertise in biologic drug discovery; at least 10 years in scientific leadership roles within large molecule programs
• Proven track record leading 5+ biologic programs across discovery from target inception to Candidate Nomination or beyond; minimum 2 biologic INDs required (antibody, bispecific, or fusion protein programs preferred)
• Deep knowledge of the biologic drug discovery and development process: target identification, discovery campaign strategies (yeast display, hybridoma, single B cell), lead optimization, developability assessment, and IND-enabling CMC and toxicology activities
• Expertise in protein engineering principles: affinity maturation, CDR optimization, Fc engineering, bispecific/multispecific antibody formats, linker design, and fusion protein architecture
• Strong AI/ML fluency and digital-forward scientific mindset; hands-on experience integrating generative protein design tools (e.g., RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN, ESMFold, AlphaFold) and ML-guided sequence optimization into biologics discovery workflows
• Solid understanding of large molecule DMPK: FcRn-mediated recycling, half-life extension strategies, subcutaneous absorption, immunogenicity risk assessment, and PK/PD modeling for dose projection
• Strong understanding of biologic CMC considerations: expression systems (CHO, HEK), purification, analytical characterization, developability studies and early formulation development as inputs to candidate selection
• Excellent and inclusive leadership; able to inspire cross-functional protein engineering, biology, and translational teams towards ambitious goals
• Exceptional communication skills; able to convey complex large molecule science to senior governance audiences and distill developability trade-offs into clear strategic recommendations
• Demonstrated success of strategic partnerships with CRO and CDMOs for biologics; strong business acumen including regulatory (BLA/MAA pathway) and commercial awareness

Additional Information

The position will be based in Cambridge, MA. This position is currently classified as “hybrid” by Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy.

What’s Different About This Role

• Biotech-like autonomy with big pharma scale
• AI-native biologics discovery environment
• Streamlined governance with rapid decision-making
• Direct impact on future operating models in R&D

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:

Boston, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$212,000.00 - $333,190.00

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 job. 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

Boston, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes

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