Senior Director, AIRx Discovery Biology Lead

Senior Director, AIRx Discovery Biology Lead Employer Takeda Location Boston, Massachusetts Start date May 13, 2026 View more categories View less categories Discipline Science/R D , Biology Required Education Doctorate/PHD/MD Position Type Full time Hotbed Genetown , Best Places to Work Apply now Save job Click to add the job to your shortlist You need to sign in or create an account to save a job. Send job Job Details Company Job Details 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 Takeda's 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 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 Lab Automation & Transformation (LAT). 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 Biology is the strategic core of everyAIRxprogram —As Discovery Biology Lead, you will set the mechanistic and translational foundation that determines whether a program deserves to advance, guiding the team from target hypothesis to clinical hypothesis with the intellectual authority that only deep disease biology expertise can provide. Responsibilities include directing CRO partners with precision and accountability to generate high-quality, interpretable data that feeds into AI-powered DMTAcycles, andconnecting experimental biology to translational strategy and clinical outcomes. TheAIRxDiscovery Biology Lead combines deep scientificexpertisewith the agility to thrive in an externalized, AI-powered operating model —leveragingbiological depth and pragmatism to direct and integrate biology at speed, while role modeling new ways of working in the Lab of Tomorrow. Accountabilities Own the disease biology and target validation strategy across theAIRxportfolio; ensure all programs have mechanistic rationale, clear differentiation, and clinical line of sight Define translational biomarker strategies supporting go/no-go decisions and future clinical development Design andprovide strategicoversighofCRO-executed in vitro and in vivo biology studies; critically evaluate data packages for scientific quality and decision-readiness Integrate biology data into AI-enabled DMTA cycles alongside medicinal/computational chemists, DMPK, safety, and structural biology Challenge scientific assumptions across the team; ensure biological integrity and mechanistic depth underpin all program decisions Represent biology perspectives at Takeda governanceforums; contribute to IND-enabling biology packages Stay current with disease biology and the competitive landscape; proactively inform the team of relevant developments Shape how biology is practiced in theAIRxmodel — your ways of working here will become the template for Takeda Research's future operating model Qualifications & Competencies PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, pharmacology, or closely related discipline 12-15+ years of drug discovery experience with a strongtrack recordin target validation and disease biology Proven contributions to IND filings; experience supporting IND-enabling biology packages Track recorddesigning and managing externalized CRO biology programs; ability to scope, oversee, and critically interpret study data Ability to connect target biology 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 tooperateeffectively in a lean, fast-paced team

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 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 Job Exempt Yes It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Company For over 240 years, Takeda's propensity to evolve has driven the next generation of innovation. Today, our organization spans the globe—colleagues across business units and functions face challenges head-on to deliver life-transforming treatments, guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. As a values-based, R D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, we focus our R D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Genetics and Hematology, Neuroscience, and Gastroenterology (GI). We also make targeted R D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. In addition to our R D efforts, we're laser-focused on harnessing the power of data, digital, and technology to improve health outcomes for patients across the globe. Since our founding in Japan, integrity and putting patients first have been at the heart of our identity. We're proud of our employees and their commitment to improving the quality of life for patients, and to working with our partners in health care in approximately 80 countries and regions. With each new breakthrough comes opportunities to develop your career, hone new skills, and create a brighter future For more information, visit https://jobs.takeda.

com/ Company info Website https:

//www.takeda.com/ Location 650 East Kendall Street Cambridge

MA 02421

United States Share this job Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Apply now Send job Apply now Save job Click to add the job to your shortlist You need to sign in or create an account to save a job. Get job alerts Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox. Create alert Similar jobs Senior Director, AIRx Biochemistry - In Vitro Biology Lead Boston, Massachusetts Senior Director, AIRx Computational Chemistry Boston, Massachusetts Principal Scientist Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Cambridge, Massachusetts