Global Therapeutic Research Lead (Oligo)

Role Summary

The Global Therapeutic Research Lead (Oligo) drives Research projects to the clinic as a pipeline-critical strategic leader within the Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit. The role leads top priority oligonucleotide programs with strong clinical and commercial potential, mentors global discovery teams, and builds an integrated view of asset strategy across Research, Clinical Development, and Commercial stakeholders. This position represents core expertise, oversees external partnerships, and fosters innovation and high-quality IND delivery. Location: Kanagawa, Fujisawa, Japan.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage one or more ‘Top 10’ drug discovery oligonucleotide 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 Top 10 project selection.
• Evaluate and prioritize potential drug candidates based on scientific, medical, and commercial considerations.
• Represent all core expertise for the project and partner with Clinical and Translational teams to refine asset strategy.
• Ensure alignment to the therapeutic area strategy (Clinical Development) and with the commercial team for asset value within Neuroscience.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to global project team members, fostering enterprise thinking and professional growth.
• Mentor junior project leads and elevate drug discovery capability across Research.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to drive project delivery.
• Drive pipeline and enterprise impact through partnerships with internal and external collaborators.
• Provide strategic, process, and operational leadership for successful Top 10 Project delivery.
• Foster a culture of innovation and scientific excellence within the matrixed drug discovery team.
• Develop as a world-leading scientific expert in the projects led.
• Oversee experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation to enable decision-making and optimize discovery efforts.
• Stay current with advancements in drug discovery and apply knowledge to strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners, including joint external governance committees.
• Represent Takeda externally for Neuroscience Drug Discovery and engage in evaluating external opportunities.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in health or life sciences (Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M.).
• 10–12 years of industry experience in Immunology and Inflammation and 10–12 years 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 target identification, hit-to-lead optimization, and preclinical development.
• Proven track record leading numerous projects (5+), from target inception to Candidate Nomination or beyond, with major involvement in INDs (3+).
• Experience delivering clinical development assets across multiple modalities (e.g., small molecules, biologics, cell therapies, ADCs).
• Strong inclusive leadership and ability to inspire diverse teams; proactive, solutions-oriented with broad internal/external collaboration.
• Business acumen with regulatory, commercial considerations, and modality-specific knowledge.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences; ability to build cross-functional relationships.
• Data-driven decision making and strong problem-solving abilities; track record of strategic partnerships with academia and industry.

Education

• Advanced degree in health or life sciences (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M.).