Head of AI/ML Research Position Available In Suffolk, Massachusetts

Job Description:

By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employmentapplication process with Takeda will commence and that theinformation I provide in my application will be processed in linewith Takeda’s Privacy Notice and Terms of Use . I further attestthat all information I submit in my employment application is trueto the best of my knowledge. Job Description Position Overview Weare seeking an innovative and dynamic leader to spearhead ouremerging research efforts in AI/ML-driven drug discovery with aninitial focus on large molecule design. This role will build andlead a multidisciplinary team focused on integrating advancedcomputational methods with cutting-edge experimental strategies todrive breakthrough discoveries in large molecule therapeutics anddeepen our understanding of disease biology. The ideal candidatewill have a strong background in computational biology, machinelearning, and structural modeling, combined with proven leadershipin a research environment. Key Responsibilities Strategic ResearchLeadership Develop and execute a research strategy that leveragesAI/ML to advance our drug discovery efforts with specific focus onde novo design and optimization of large molecules. Stay abreast ofemerging trends and technologies in AI/ML and their application topharmaceutical research, including foundation models for proteindesign, diffusion-based modeling approaches, protein ligandco-folding, generative chemistry, and AI-driven target discovery.

Serve as a central hub connecting AI/ML methodological expertisewith domain-specific needs across Computational Science and DataStrategy teams, enabling synergistic collaborations that accelerateinnovation Drive integration of the modeling pipelines withinternal data foundation platforms, building a continuoustest-and-learn pipeline through experimental validation bycollaborating across scientific disciplines and therapeutic areasTeam B uilding and Management Recruit, mentor, and manage ahigh-performing, cross-disciplinary research team focused on thedevelopment and implementation of state-of-the-art AI/MLmethodologies with an initial focus on computational proteindesign. Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive teamculture that encourages creative problem-solving andcross-functional collaboration. Provide regular performancefeedback, career development, and guidance to team members. Projectand Program Management Oversee the planning, execution, and timelydelivery of research projects, ensuring alignment with strategicmilestones and corporate objectives. Ensure robust projectmanagement practices are in place, including risk assessment,progress tracking, and resource allocation. Design partnershipmodels where computational biology teams provide domain expertisewhile the AI/ML team delivers advanced methodological solutions,creating force-multiplying collaborations Scientific Collaborationand Communication Champion AI/ML approaches across computationalsciences and Research, building cross-functional communities ofpractice. Present research findings and strategic updates tointernal stakeholders, senior management, and at externalscientific conferences. Establish and nurture collaborativerelationships with academic institutions, technology partners, andindustry experts. Contribute to the preparation of patent filingsand scientific manuscripts. Communicate and explain the strengthsand weaknesses of complex computational models and ML techniques todiverse scientific audiences. Innova tion and ContinuousImprovement Drive the development and adoption of novelcomputational tools and methodologies to enhance our capabilitiesin computational biology, target discovery, large molecule designand structural modeling. Design effective strategies forimplementing multimodal AI systems that integrate sequence,structure, and functional data for therapeutic candidateoptimization. Evaluate and integrate emerging software and hardwaresolutions to support advanced AI/ML research initiatives.

Qualifications Ph.D. in computer science, statistics, computationalbiology, or a related field with a focus on machine learning. 15years experience , or MS with 21 years experience, or BS with 23years experience 10 years of research experience in AI/ML,computational drug design, structural modeling, or relateddisciplines within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary research projectsfrom conception through to impactful outcomes. Proven track recordof scientific publications and presentations in relevant fields.

Demonstrated expertise in machine learning algorithms, deeplearning architectures, transformer-based models, and statisticalmodeling as applied to molecular design and developability.

Strategic vision for integrating foundation models (e.g., ESM,AlphaFold) into drug discovery workflows with demonstrated impacton therapeutic programs. Proven track record in developing machinelearning models for antibody design, protein-ligand co-folding,and/or related structural modeling approaches. Proven ability tobridge methodological AI expertise with domain-specific biologicalknowledge, creating collaborative environments that producesynergistic outcomes. Proficiency with programming languages (e.g.,Python, R, C++) and ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Tensorflow) withexperiencing scaling computational infrastructure for large modeltraining in cloud environments. Exceptional leadership, projectmanagement, and communication skills, with ability to translatecomplex computational insights to diverse scientific audiences andalign with therapeutic portfolio priorities and R D objectives.

Strong problem-solving aptitude and strategic thinking with anentrepreneurial mindset. Takeda Compensation and Benefits SummaryWe understand compensation is an important factor as you considerthe next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay forall employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our paypractices.

For Location:

Boston, MA U.S.

Base Salary Range:

$208,200.00 – $327,140.00 The estimated salary range reflects ananticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offeredmay depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications ofthe individual applicant for the position, years of relevantexperience, specific and unique skills, level of educationattained, certifications or other professional licenses held, andthe location in which the applicant lives and/or from which theywill be performing the job.

The actual base salary offered will bein accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for thejob location. U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-termand/or long-termincentives. U.S.based employees may be eligible toparticipate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan andcompany match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basiclife insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteertime off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others.

U.S.based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendaryear, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible toaccrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation. EEO Statement Takeda isproud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce andproviding equal employment opportunities to all employees andapplicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion,sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression,parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenshipstatus, genetic information or characteristics, marital status,status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or otherprotected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state andlocal laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.

Locations Boston, MA Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type RegularTime Type Full time Job Exempt Yes It is unlawful in Massachusettsto require or administer a lie detector test as a condition ofemployment or continued employment. An employer who violates thislaw shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.