Global Therapeutic Research Lead - Immunology

Job Description

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 three therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible to bring life‑changing therapies to patients worldwide.

Purpose

• Leveraging a proven track record of leading at least 3 discovery programs to clinic, The Global Therapeutic Research Lead (GTRL) is a pipeline critical strategic leader responsible for driving Research projects to the clinic. The individual will sit on the Gastroenterology and Inflammation Drug Discovery Unit (GI DDU) Leadership Team.
• Leader for at least one or more of Takeda’s top priority projects with substantial clinical and commercial potential with a clear accelerated path to the clinic.
• You will provide mentorship to team members to elevate enterprise thinking and capabilities of our drug discovery talent across the global Research function.
• As project lead, the GTRL builds a connected view of the project within the Gastroenterology and Inflammation TA strategy and treatment paradigm and can represent all core expertise at depth and align with stakeholders and sponsors across the organization including Research, Clinical Development and Commercial stakeholders and executive level governance committees.
• The GTRL will be responsible for creating the medicine vision, early asset strategy and managing multiple external partnerships that accelerate delivery of the project.
• The GTRL will establish smart, fast, and critical path‑minded practices for groups, including integrating new strategies and competitive industry ways of working.
• The GTRL will advise on the continuous infusion of new Research projects aligned to strategy to generate a sustainable Research Engine generating a steady flow of high‑quality INDs every year.

Accountabilities

• Lead and manage one or more ‘Top 10’ drug discovery projects, overseeing the entire drug discovery process from target identification to preclinical development. (Top 10 projects are well validated targets that are focused on strategically aligned modalities with substantial clinical and commercial potential)
• Responsible for the articulation and ownership of the project strategy, developed in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategy for future portfolio investment, particularly within the Inflammation and Immunology area including advising on which projects should be Top 10 projects.
• Evaluate and prioritize potential drug candidates based on scientific, medical, and commercial considerations.
• Represent all core expertise for the project.
• Partner with Clinical and Translational teams to refine asset strategy.
• Ensure alignment to the therapeutic area strategy (i.e., Clinical Development).
• Understand and align with the commercial team for asset commercial value within the TA.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to global project team members, stimulating enterprise thinking and fostering their professional growth and development.
• Mentor future and more junior project leads and elevate drug discovery capability across Research.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and partners (e.g., DMPK, Pharmaceutical Sciences) within and outside Takeda to drive project delivery.
• Pipeline and enterprise impact through effective partnering with multiple internal and external collaborators.
• Provide strategic, process, and operational leadership for successful Top 10 Project delivery.
• Foster a culture of innovation and scientific excellence within the matrixed drug discovery team, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
• Become a world leading scientific expert in the projects you lead.
• Oversee the design and execution of experiments, data analysis, and interpretation to enable decision-making and optimize drug discovery efforts.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in drug discovery, emerging technologies, and industry trends, applying this knowledge to enhance drug discovery strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including academic institutions, research organizations, and…