Research Strategy Development & Integration Lead

Research Strategy Development & Integration Lead

The Research Strategy Development function is responsible for integrating scientific acumen with strategic and operational capabilities to drive the vision, coherence, and execution of Takeda Research's critical strategy & transformation priorities, including the flagship initiative "Labs of Tomorrow". 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.

The Research Strategy Development & Integration Lead is a critical member of our Research Strategy Development team, responsible for ensuring that strategic initiatives (such as Labs of Tomorrow) advance as coherent, integrated strategies rather than as independent initiatives. The individual serves as a senior strategic partner to the Head of Strategy Development, aligning roadmaps, resolving cross‑initiative dependencies, and continuously advancing the strategic thinking that underpins Research's broader transformation.

The role requires a combination of deep strategic acumen, hands‑on fluency in AI and emerging technologies, and experience driving life‑sciences transformations – evaluating technological possibilities with rigor, translating them into strategic options, and operating as a credible thought partner to senior leaders and technical teams. Experience in strategy consulting and exposure to AI‑enabled drug discovery, automation, or next‑generation research models is strongly preferred.

• Serves as the integrator across strategic initiatives – including AI, automation, and technology programs – maintaining a holistic view and ensuring components advance the overarching transformation vision.
• Develops and propels a perspective on how AI, automation, and emerging technologies should be applied within Research, translating external innovation into concrete strategic options and recommendations for the transformation roadmap.
• Identifies and actively manages cross‑initiative dependencies, sequencing risks, and strategic tensions, working with initiative leads and program managers to maintain alignment.
• Propels the strategic thinking of the Research transformation and Labs of Tomorrow over time—challenging assumptions, identifying gaps, and bringing external perspectives and emerging trends to program evolution.
• Partners closely with the Head of Research Strategy Development to prepare senior leadership and governance forums, synthesizing program status into clear narratives and facilitating high‑quality decision‑making.
• Monitors and critically evaluates the external landscape for advances in AI, data science, and technology‑enabled research models—assessing their maturity, applicability, and strategic implications for Research's agenda.
• Collaborates with Research senior leadership and cross‑functional partners to ensure strategic priorities are understood, supported, and resourced.
• Supports the development and maintenance of Research's multi‑year strategic roadmap, including scenario planning and prioritization frameworks that account for evolving internal and external conditions.
• Builds strong relationships with program managers across strategic initiatives, leveraging operational intelligence to inform judgment without duplicating management functions.
• Contributes to the broader Research Strategy agenda, including select enterprise strategy projects where Research intersects with Takeda's wider R&D priorities.

• 10+ years of experience in life sciences or technology strategy, ideally with a strong background in management consulting.
• Advanced degree required – PhD in life sciences or quantitative discipline, or MBA; MS or equivalent if supported by experience.
• Experience leading or contributing to large‑scale technology‑enabled or digital transformation programs within life‑sciences, biotech, or research‑intensive environments.
• Experience leading or overseeing agile delivery programs in complex organizational contexts.
• Knowledge of drug‑discovery and development processes; ability to credibly engage with Research…