Scientific Associate Director, GI, Inflammation, & Neuroscience, In Vitro Pharmacology

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Job Description

About the role:

At Takeda, we are a forward-looking, world-class R&D organization that unlocks innovation and delivers transformative therapies to patients. By focusing R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible in order to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide.

Global Biologics (GB) mission is the discovery of transformative, innovative Biologics therapeutics to support Takeda's pipeline and advance novel therapeutics into clinical development in Takeda's three therapeutic areas of interest: Oncology (immuno-oncology, cell therapies), Gastroenterology, and Neuroscience, The In Vitro Pharmacology group plays a crucial role in evaluating the biological activity of potential therapies, selecting candidates for preclinical and clinical development.

Join Takeda as an Associate Director where you will be the subject-matter expertise in biologics and immunology to drive innovative research strategies in GI, Inflammation, and Neuroscience. You will also lead and manage a team responsible for designing, optimizing, and implementing in vitro assays to evaluate candidate therapies, support lead identification, and contribute to the strategic research objectives. As part of the In Vitro Pharmacology team, you will report to the Head of the team and work with GB organization.

How you will contribute:

• Functional leadership: Lead and innovate in the design, development, and execution of in vitro pharmacology assays to assess the biological activity, mechanism of action, and efficacy of novel biologic therapies targeting GI diseases, inflammation, and neurological disorders. Utilize state-of-the-art technologies (e.g., cell-based assays, co-culture systems, and 3D organoid models) to measure cellular responses in inflammatory pathways, neuronal cell signaling, and gut-brain axis interactions. Stay current with scientific advancements and implement new techniques that improve the evaluation of therapeutic candidates. Independently design and lead complex scientific projects, contributing to multiple programs as a senior consultant in GI, Inflammation, and Neuroscience.
• Program leadership: Spearhead GI, Inflammation, and Neuroscience biologics discovery programs with cross-functional teams, driving them from lead ID to preclinical development.
• Candidates Screening and Profiling: Oversee the screening and profiling of biologic drug candidates in relevant in vitro models, including inflammation-based assays, neuronal models, and GI organoid systems. Oversee the screening and profiling of biologic drug candidates in relevant in models, including immune cell-based assays, co-culture systems, and 3D organoid models. Evaluate candidate efficacy, potency, and selectivity, focusing on inflammatory pathways (e.g., cytokine release, immune cell activation) and neuronal and immune signaling.
• Mechanism of Action Studies: Investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the activity of therapeutic candidates using in vitro pharmacology approaches. Characterize interactions with immune targets, signaling pathways, and immune cell subsets to elucidate therapeutic mechanisms and inform drug development strategies.
• Documentation: Contribute to the preparation and review of regulatory documents (e.g., study reports, INDs) to support the advancement of therapeutic candidates through preclinical and clinical stages.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams (biologics engineering, production, translational scientists, and preclinical development) to align scientific efforts with strategic goals. Serve as a key influencer in driving the advancement of the GI, Inflammation, and Neuroscience portfolios through data-driven insights and leadership in scientific discussions.
• Mentoring: Actively mentor and develop junior scientists, promoting a hands-on approach to guide assay development, data analysis, and experimental troubleshooting. Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and scientific rigor.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• PhD degree in in immunology, neuroscience, cell biology, or related fields focusing on GI, inflammatory diseases, or neurological disorders with 7+ years experience , or MS with 13+ years experience, or BS with 15+ years experience.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in biologics research in Gastroenterology, Inflammation, or Neuroscience, with expertise in relevant biological systems and therapeutic areas.
• Expertise in drug discovery and development processes, including hit identification, lead optimization, candidate selection, and preclinical development.
• Proven track record of leading successful in vitro pharmacology efforts, including assay development and validation, candidate screening, and mechanism of action studies.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills with experience managing scientific teams and direct reports in laboratory settings.
• Strong technical proficiency in various in vitro techniques and assay formats, including cell-based assays, flow cytometry, and high-content imaging, particularly in inflammatory, GI, and neuronal models.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence project direction through solid scientific and strategic insights.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and lead within a matrixed organization
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and guidelines for drug discovery in biologics.

More about us:

At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best in class patient support programs. Takeda is a patient-focused company that will inspire and empower you to grow through life-changing work.

Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.

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Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

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