Research Senior Scientist, Biochemical Lead Profiling

Job Description

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.

• 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.

• 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., Fluorescence, Alpha
  
  LISA, 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 in Lead , Hit‑to‑Lead and Lead Ops 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.

• The position will be based in Cambridge, MA

Location:

Boston,…