Research Senior Scientist, Biochemical Lead Profiling

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Job Description

Objective / Purpose:

Takeda’s Lead Profiling team is building a new team of experienced, innovative, and collaborative researchers to partner with Drug Discovery Units to design and run high throughput automated assays on state-of-the-art robotic platforms to drive an industry-leading portfolio of drugs for various Therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs. We are seeking a skilled research Senior Scientist to join our Lead Profiling and cross-functional discovery teams.

• Design and execute pre-clinical pharmacology assays on fully automated robotic platforms to support candidate selection, accelerating clinical translation of impactful therapies for patients with various disorders
• Provide deep scientific expertise in the design and execution of miniaturized, high throughput assays to support programs across cross-functional teams
• Leverage state-of-the-art automation to streamline complex biology screening workflows and manage data across various programs, in close collaboration with Takeda scientists and external partners

Accountabilities:                                                                                                  

• Lead the design, development, and validation of robust plate-based miniaturized (384 and 1536-well) biochemical assays (e.g., enzyme, binding, target engagement assays) to facilitate compound screening, characterization, and mechanistic profiling to support medicinal chemistry SAR efforts.
• Develop and implement fully automated screening workflows to support multiple programs in the discovery portfolio
• Champion scientific integrity and rigor in data analysis, preparation, and interpretation of detailed protocols/SOPs.
• Lead the adoption of advanced analytics, modeling, and AI/ML approaches to inform assay design, hit triage, SAR development, and portfolio decisions. Contribute to the establishment of data standards and governance for biochemical lead profiling, enabling longitudinal data mining and cross-program learning
• Collaborate effectively within a matrixed structure, clearly communicate results, challenges, and impact through presentations and discussions with broad audiences.  Integrate data from cross-functional teams to drive decision-making.
• Think independently and creatively to explore novel drug discovery approaches to create therapies for patients suffering from disorders being investigated within Takeda discovery research.
• Maintain awareness of current developments in literature and contribute to the continuous process to enhance functional capability and productivity
• Support the organization by maintaining a work environment focused on scientific integrity, continuous learning, open communication, and collaboration
• Mentorship and coaching of other scientists within the team to create and sustain a high-performing team

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

• Expected: PhD degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pharmacology, Molecular/Cell Biology or related field with 2+ years industry experience, or MS with 8+ years’ experience, or BS with 10+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical/ biotech R&D.
• Strong expertise, in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in the development and optimization of a wide range of assays and screening technologies (e.g., Fluorecence, AlphaLISA, TR-FRET, ELISA, target engagement, residence time measurements etc).
• Working knowledge of HTS automation, liquid handling systems and assay miniaturization to streamline workflows
• Strong expertise is Lead ID, Hit-to-Lead and Lead Op strategies and workflows is highly desirable
• Significant experience leveraging high throughput data analysis platforms and LIMS systems for automated data analysis, QC and reporting
• Strong enzymology background preferred
• Proven experience in developing and/or evaluating novel small molecule and biologics
• Stays current with emerging scientific literature, competitive landscapes, and innovative technologies to contribute to the continuous process to enhance functional capability and productivity
• Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary and dynamic environment, and experience in mentoring and leading other scientific staff

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The position will be based in Cambridge, MA

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:

$137,000.00 - $215,270.00

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

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.