Director, Outcomes Research & Data Science

Role Summary

The Director, Outcomes Research and Data Science (ORDS) is a research and customer-facing role within Takeda's U.S. Medical, Value and Evidence Generation Team, contributing to the development and commercialization of peri-approval and marketed products in the U.S. You will lead the development and implementation of value-based agreements (VBAs) and other medical partnerships with external stakeholders, collaborating across market access, commercial accounts, medical affairs (HEOR and strategy), data science, contracts and pricing, government reporting, and finance to design, execute, and evaluate VBA strategies. This is a hybrid role based in Cambridge, MA.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the evaluation of value-based performance metrics leading to value-based contracting options across our portfolio; interface with customers on the data framework of contracts and conduct analysis outputs to inform final contractual obligation.
• Contribute to the development and execution of U.S. Medical strategies to elucidate unmet clinical, economic, and patient-centered needs and product value.
• Execute studies in the exploratory data analysis environment to direct product scientific and value strategies and inform outcomes research studies, pipeline products, and business development opportunities.
• Leverage advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital tools to design, execute, and interpret VBA forecasts and health economic and outcomes research studies.
• Champion the adoption of digital innovation and AI-driven methodologies that improve research efficiency, data quality, and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to the development of value propositions that differentiate assigned products for payers, policymakers, healthcare providers, consumers, and other stakeholders.
• Lead multiple work streams relating to Outcomes Research business areas to a high standard.
• Lead the development and testing of VBA concepts and technical specifications across therapeutic areas, ensuring alignment with product value and payer needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design VBA frameworks, including technical specifications for data formatting and operationalization.
• Present VBA strategies and performance insights to internal stakeholders and external healthcare payers.
• Forecast VBA outcomes using internal datasets and payer-supplied data to support financial modeling and contract design.
• Evaluate results from previously signed VBAs and maintain performance tracking across the portfolio.
• Assist in drafting VBA-specific sections of rebate contracts and support contract execution.
• Work with external partners and vendors on exploratory analyses to enhance understanding of VBA effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Required: Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MPH, MS) in health economics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or related field with a minimum of 7 years of experience in outcomes research, real-world evidence, or value-based contracting in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
• Required: Expertise in analyzing medical and pharmacy administrative claims data from health care plans and pharmacy benefit managers, as well as experience with health systems data (e.g., electronic medical records). Experience in value-based agreements is preferred.
• Required: Proven track record of directly managing external customer relationships, including health plans, PBMs, and other managed care organizations, with a strong focus on market access strategy, payer engagement, and cross-functional collaboration to drive real-world evidence initiatives and value-based outcomes.
• Required: Proficiency in statistical software and data visualization tools (SAS, R, Python) with at least 5 years of SAS experience specifically in administrative claims data.
• Required: Demonstrate foundational competency in AI applications relevant to outcomes research and value-based agreements, including the use of AI-enabled analytics and interpreting model outputs to inform strategic decisions.

Skills

• Data analysis and interpretation for health economics and outcomes research
• Advanced analytics, AI-enabled analytics, and digital tool proficiency
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
• Technical specification development for data formatting and operationalization
• Health economic modeling and value communications

Education

• PhD, PharmD, MPH, or MS in health economics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or related field

Additional Requirements

• Travel may be required up to 20%