Global Therapeutic Research Lead (Oligo)

Role Summary

Global Therapeutic Research Lead (Oligo) responsible for driving Research projects to the clinic within the Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, leading top priority oligonucleotide programs, and mentoring global drug discovery talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage one or more ‚ÄòTop 10‚Äô 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 the Inflammation and Immunology area.
• 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 and with the commercial team for asset value within the Neuroscience Therapeutic Area.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to global project team members and elevate drug discovery capability across Research.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and partners to drive project delivery and influence pipeline and enterprise impact.
• 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 and stay abreast of latest advancements to enhance strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including academic institutions and industry partners, including joint governance committees.
• Represent Takeda externally for the Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit and evaluate external opportunities as an ambassador for Takeda‚Äôs global business development brand.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in health or life sciences (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M.).
• 10‚Äì12 years of industry experience in Immunology and Inflammation and 10‚Äì12 years of global management experience.
• Extensive experience leading drug discovery teams and managing drug discovery/development projects, preferably in gastroenterology and inflammation.
• Deep understanding of the drug discovery process including target identification, hit-to-lead optimization, and preclinical development.
• Proven track record of leading numerous projects across discovery from target inception to Candidate Nomination or beyond; major involvement in INDs.
• Experience delivering assets across multiple modalities (e.g., small molecules, biologics, cell therapies, ADCs).
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to engage diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Business acumen with regulatory and commercial understanding relevant to modalities.
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry collaborators.

Skills

• Strategic project leadership and mentorship
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
• Scientific expertise in neuroscience, immunology, and inflammation
• Data-driven decision making and problem-solving
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities

Education

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

Additional Requirements

• None specified beyond role requirements.