Executive Director, AIRx Program Lead: Biologics

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 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.

Objective:

As AIRx Biologics Program Lead, you will own the end-to-end scientific and strategic direction 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, and a direct line to governance: this is the environment elite biologic drug hunters have been waiting for. You will work alongside top computational protein scientists, AI/ML specialists, protein structure and translational biology experts in a model where the science, not the governance calendar, drives the pace and progress. Programs here move because the structure is built for speed. Your job is to make sure that speed produces the right medicines. A proven track record of leading at least 3 biologic discovery programs to clinic is required.

Accountabilities

• Lead and manage multiple biologic drug discovery projects in an AI-forward manner with urgency; oversee the entire discovery process from modality selection through preclinical development and IND filing
• Define, articulate, and evolve the program strategy for antibody, bispecific, fusion protein, or other large molecule modalities; build the medicine vision and early asset strategy including developability and manufacturability considerations
• Evaluate and prioritize biologic candidates based on scientific, clinical, CMC, and commercial considerations; balance potency, selectivity, half-life, immunogenicity risk, protein stability and expression yield in go/no-go decisions
• Lead and enable rapid, AI-enabled Design and Test cycles for protein engineering; ensure generative protein design and structure-prediction outputs are translated into clear experimental recommendations and fast, decisive go/no-go outcomes
• Drive sequence optimization, affinity maturation, Fc engineering, and formulation-ready candidate selection using integrated computational and experimental platforms
• Partner with Clinical and Translational teams to refine asset strategy; ensure clinical line of sight from early discovery including patient selection, biomarker strategy, and dose projection from PK/PD modeling
• Manage external CROs and CDMOs providing protein expression, purification, in vitro pharmacology, and GLP toxicology services; ensure timelines are met and data is decision-ready
• Represent Takeda externally for AIRx Biologics; evaluate external opportunities including platform technologies, novel modalities, and in-licensing candidates; serve as BD ambassador
• Ensure programs are delivered at pace with disciplined cost stewardship, contributing to a sustainable, high-quality pipeline of biologic INDs and informing broader portfolio strategy

Qualifications & Competencies

• Advanced degree in protein biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, immunology, or related life sciences (PhD, MD, or DVM); PhD strongly preferred
• 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 3 biologic INDs required (antibody, bispecific, or fusion protein programs preferred)
• Deep knowledge of the biologic drug discovery and development process: target identification, hit generation (phage/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 exposure and digital-forward scientific mindset; experience leveraging AI in protein design
• 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
• Familiarity with biologic CMC considerations: expression systems (different hosts and stable cell line generation), purification, analytical characterization, and early formulation development as inputs to candidate selection
• Excellent and inclusive leadership; able to inspire and motivate 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 building strategic CRO and CDMO partnerships 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.

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:

$238,000.00 - $374,000.00

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_

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About Us

Takeda is an industry-leading, global pharmaceutical company with an unwavering dedication to putting patients at the center of everything we do. We live our values of Takeda-ism – Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance – and are united by our mission to strive towards Better Health and a Brighter Future for people worldwide through leading innovation in medicine. Here, everyone matters and you will be a vital contributor to our inspiring, bold mission. At Takeda, you will make an impact on people’s lives – including your own. Takeda is an equal opportunity employer. For applicants of U.S and Puerto Rico positions: Click here to learn about our commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). If you are limited in the ability to use our job application tool, or otherwise require a reasonable accommodation for a disability please click here. Read More