Global Therapeutic Research Lead - Immunology

Role Summary

Global Therapeutic Research Lead (Immunology) at Takeda. Lead top discovery projects to the clinic within the Gastroenterology and Inflammation Drug Discovery Unit, mentor global research teams, shape asset strategy, manage external partnerships, and represent core expertise across stakeholders and governance forums.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage one or more top-priority drug discovery projects, overseeing the full discovery process from target identification to preclinical development.
• Articulate and own project strategy in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to portfolio strategy for future investments within Inflammation and Immunology, advising on which projects should be top-priority.
• Evaluate and prioritize drug candidates based on scientific, medical, and commercial considerations; represent core project expertise.
• Partner with Clinical and Translational teams to refine asset strategy; ensure alignment to therapeutic area strategy and commercial value.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to global project teams to foster enterprise thinking and professional development.
• Mentor junior project leads and elevate drug discovery capabilities across Research.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to drive project delivery; build enterprise impact through partnerships.
• Provide strategic, process, and operational leadership for successful project delivery; foster innovation and scientific excellence within the team.
• Represent Takeda externally for the Gastroenterology and Inflammation Drug Discovery Unit and evaluate external opportunities as an ambassador for the company’s brand.

Qualifications

• PhD in a scientific discipline with 15+ years of experience, or MS with 21+ years, or BS with 23+ years.
• 10–12+ years of industry and subject-matter expertise in Immunology and Inflammation, plus 10–12 years of global management experience in a matrix organization.
• Extensive experience in leading drug discovery teams and managing discovery/development projects, preferably in gastroenterology and inflammation.
• Deep understanding of target identification, hit-to-lead optimization, and preclinical development; ability to anticipate and remove roadblocks.
• Proven track record leading multiple projects across discovery to candidate nomination or beyond; major role in 3+ INDs.
• Experience delivering clinical development assets, including biologics and multiple modalities.
• Strong, inclusive leadership; proactive, solutions-oriented approach; excellent communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
• Strong business acumen with understanding of regulatory requirements and commercial considerations for specific modalities.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across a matrixed organization; data-driven decision making.
• Proven success in building and managing strategic partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry collaborators.

Skills

• Leadership and people management
• Strategic thinking and portfolio planning
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Scientific communication and stakeholder management
• External partnering and business development

Education

• PhD with extensive post-graduate experience, or equivalent combination of advanced degrees and industry experience as described above.

Additional Requirements

• Location: Cambridge, MA (hybrid).