Global Therapeutic Research Lead, Neuroscience

Role Summary

The Global Therapeutic Research Lead (G-TRL) is a pipeline critical strategic leader responsible for driving Research projects to the clinic, sitting on the Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit Leadership Team. The role leads top priority small molecule projects with substantial clinical and commercial potential and provides mentorship to elevate enterprise thinking across the global Research function. As project lead, the G-TRL builds a connected view of the project within the Neuroscience TA strategy, represents core expertise, aligns with stakeholders and sponsors, creates the medicine vision and early asset strategy, and manages external partnerships to accelerate delivery. The G-TRL establishes fast, smart practices and advises on the infusion of new Research projects to generate a sustainable engine for high-quality INDs each year.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage one or more “Top 10” drug discovery molecule projects, overseeing the entire drug discovery process from target identification to preclinical development.
• Articulate and own the project strategy in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategy for future portfolio investment, particularly within Inflammation and Immunology, including advising on which projects should be Top 10.
• Evaluate and prioritize potential drug candidates based on scientific, medical, and commercial considerations.
• Represent all core expertise for the project.
• Partner with Clinical and Translational teams to refine asset strategy.
• Ensure alignment to the therapeutic area strategy (Clinical Development).
• Understand and align with the commercial team for asset value within the Neuroscience Therapeutic Area.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to global project team members, fostering enterprise thinking and professional growth.
• Mentor future and more junior project leads and elevate drug discovery capability across Research.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and partners (e.g., DMPK, Pharmaceutical Sciences) to drive project delivery.
• Drive pipeline and enterprise impact through partnering with multiple internal and external collaborators.
• Provide strategic, process, and operational leadership for successful Top 10 project delivery.
• Foster a culture of innovation and scientific excellence, promoting collaboration and continuous learning.
• Become a world-leading scientific expert in the projects you lead.
• Oversee design and execution of experiments, data analysis, and interpretation to enable decision-making and optimize discovery efforts.
• Stay abreast of latest advancements and apply knowledge to enhance discovery strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including academic institutions and industry partners, including joint external governance committees.
• Represent Takeda externally for the Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit and evaluate external opportunities as an ambassador for Takeda’s global business development brand.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in health or life sciences (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M.).
• 10–12 years of industry and subject matter expertise within Immunology and Inflammation, plus 10–12 years of global management experience with matrix teams.
• Extensive experience leading drug discovery teams and managing drug discovery/development projects, preferably in pharma/biotech, covering gastroenterology and inflammation.
• Deep understanding of the drug discovery process (target identification, hit-to-lead optimization, preclinical development) and ability to remove roadblocks.
• Proven track record leading numerous projects (5+) across discovery from target inception to Candidate Nomination or beyond.
• Played a major role in 3+ INDs.
• Experience delivering assets in small molecules with insight into oligonucleotide and biologic modalities.
• Excellent, inclusive leadership and ability to inspire diverse teams toward ambitious goals.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented leader who engages relevant expertise across the organization.
• Strong business acumen with understanding of regulatory requirements and commercial considerations for specific modalities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills for complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across a matrixed organization.
• Strong problem-solving and data-driven decision-making abilities.
• Demonstrated success in building and managing strategic partnerships with academia, research organizations, and industry collaborators.