Research Strategy Development & Integration Lead

Overview

The Research Strategy Development & Integration Lead is part of Takeda Research and ensures strategic initiatives (such as Labs of Tomorrow) advance as integrated strategies. The role requires strategic acumen, fluency in AI and emerging technologies, and experience leading life sciences transformations. The position involves partnering with senior leaders to align roadmaps, resolve cross-initiative dependencies, and translate technology possibilities into strategic options.

• Serve as the integrator across strategic initiatives including AI, automation, and technology programs, maintaining a holistic view to ensure components advance the transformation vision.
• Develop and advance a point of view on applying AI, automation, and emerging technologies within Research; translate external innovation into concrete strategic options and recommendations for the transformation roadmap.
• Identify and manage cross-initiative dependencies, sequencing risks, and strategic tensions; work with initiative leads and program managers to maintain alignment.
• Advance the Research transformation and Labs of Tomorrow by challenging assumptions, identifying gaps, and incorporating external perspectives and trends.
• Collaborate with the Head of Research Strategy Development to prepare senior leadership and governance forums, synthesizing program status into clear strategic narratives for decision-making.
• Monitor and evaluate external advances in AI, data science, and technology-enabled research models for strategic implications.
• Collaborate with Research leadership and cross-functional partners to ensure priorities are understood, supported, and resourced across the organization.
• Support the development and maintenance of a multi-year strategic roadmap, including scenario planning and prioritization frameworks.
• Build strong working relationships with program managers across strategic initiatives to inform strategic judgment without duplicating program management functions.
• Contribute to the broader Research Strategy agenda and select enterprise strategy projects where Research intersects with Takeda's R&D priorities.

• 10+ years of experience in life sciences or technology strategy; strong foundation in management consulting preferred.
• Advanced degree required;
  PhD in life sciences or a quantitative discipline, or MBA/MS or equivalent combinations considered based on experience.
• Experience leading or contributing to large-scale technology-enabled or digital transformation programs in a life sciences, biotech, or research-intensive context.
• Experience leading or overseeing agile delivery programs in a complex organizational context.
• Working knowledge of drug discovery and development processes; ability to engage credibly with researchers and leaders on scientific strategy.
• Fluency in AI, data science, or platform-driven approaches to drug discovery; experience with AI-first biotech or tech-enabled life sciences organizations is a differentiator.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate technology claims critically and translate technological possibility into strategic advantage.
• Ability to synthesize complexity across multiple initiatives and surface strategic signals from operational noise.
• Proven track record of influencing and aligning senior stakeholders across functions without direct authority.
• Strong executive communication skills to distill program dynamics into clear narratives for leadership.
• High intellectual curiosity and comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-evolving environments.
• Collaborative leadership style with the maturity to be a trusted partner across all levels of the organization.

The position will be based in Cambridge, MA. This position is classified as “hybrid” by Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy.

Base salary range: $ – $. The actual base salary offered depends on qualifications and experience. Eligibility for incentives, health benefits, 401(k) with company match, disability coverage, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, holidays, and well-being benefits may apply. Sick leave and vacation allowances are described per calendar year for eligible employees.

Takeda is an equal opportunity employer. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment. Takeda adheres to applicable federal, state, and local laws and is committed to a diverse workforce.

Locations:
Boston, MA. Worker Type:
Employee. Time Type:
Full Time. Exemption status:
Exempt.

For applicants in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, additional information about EEO is available here. If accommodation is required during the application process, please request it here.