Takeda logo

Associate Director, Oncology Drug Discovery Unit

Takeda
August 25, 2026
On-site
Boston, MA
$154,400 - $242,550 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Objective / Purpose:
Associate Director, scientific and program leader in the Next-generation Immuno-Oncology pillar. Provide strategic, scientific, and cross-functional leadership for discovery-stage oncology programs focused on small molecule drug discovery and targeted protein degradation/induced proximity.

Responsibilities:
- Lead one or more oncology discovery programs (program/discovery/scientific lead) for small molecule and/or degrader approaches.
- Lead cross-functional teams to set strategy, critical-path activities, key decisions, timelines, and risk mitigation.
- Partner with medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology, DMPK, translational medicine, computational/data sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, and clinical teams to advance discovery milestones.
- Integrate complex datasets into data-driven recommendations aligned with portfolio priorities.
- Drive day-to-day execution: experiment prioritization, cross-functional alignment, issue escalation, and governance readiness.
- Present program strategy, key data, risks, and recommendations to leadership and governance forums.
- Contribute to target/modality strategy; support external opportunity scientific diligence.
- Foster collaborative, inclusive culture; lead through influence and mentor scientists.

Qualifications:
- PhD in relevant discipline; typically 6+ years industry experience (MS may be considered with substantial relevant experience).
- Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary drug discovery programs in matrixed environments.
- Track record advancing small molecule programs through key discovery milestones (hit ID, lead optimization, candidate nomination, IND-enabling).
- Direct experience with targeted protein degradation (e.g., molecular glues/PROTACs/induced proximity) is a distinct advantage.

Apply instructions:
By clicking β€œApply,” acknowledge application processing under Takeda Privacy Notice/Terms of Use and attest information is true to best knowledge.