Associate Director: Tumor Biology Lab, ODDU

Role Summary

Role: Associate Director, Tumor Biology Lab, ODDU. Lead the Tumor Biology Lab in Takeda’s Oncology Drug Discovery Unit (ODDU) with scientific and strategic leadership to advance tumor biology projects. Drive adoption of state-of-the-art molecular and cellular biology technologies, automation, digitalization, and AI/ML-driven workflows to accelerate discovery. Foster a collaborative, inclusive culture across the ODDU and Takeda’s global research community. Location: Boston, MA.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated, digitally enabled experimental workflows using robotics and integrated analysis platforms.
• Ensure rigorous experimental design and data integrity to drive high-quality, reproducible results for drug discovery.
• Collaborate across lab heads, ODDU leaders, and cross-functional partners to amplify lab impact.
• Driven by a passion for innovation, accelerate transformative drug discovery to deliver life-changing therapies to patients with urgency and excellence.
• Serve as senior scientific advisor and project lead, providing technical guidance to teams and stakeholders.
• Represent Takeda and ODDU at scientific meetings, business development, and candidate evaluations.
• Maintain robust documentation (e.g., Electronic Lab Notebooks) and support regulatory submissions.
• Mentor and develop scientific talent, fostering innovation, digital fluency, and excellence.
• Champion Takeda’s values, leadership principles, and commitment to DEI.

Qualifications

• PhD (6+ years), MS (12+ years), or BS (14+ years) in a scientific discipline.
• Deep expertise in tumor biology and the tumor microenvironment.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and optimizing digitally enabled and automated laboratory workflows (including robotics, high-throughput screening, digital data capture, and integrated analysis).
• Proven ability to drive innovative research strategies and deliver results in drug discovery.
• Recognized leadership in mentoring talent, establishing best practices, and ensuring experimental rigor.
• Effective collaborator with cross-functional partners to maximize portfolio impact.
• Strong communicator with robust scientific and regulatory documentation skills.
• Experienced working in global teams and diverse, collaborative environments.
• Agile, curious, and open-minded; embraces digital transformation and high engagement.
• Embodies Takeda’s values, leadership principles, DEI commitment, and an enterprise mindset.