Global Therapeutic Research Lead, Oncology – Biologics

Role Summary

Global Therapeutic Research Lead, Oncology – Biologics. Lead the biologics drug discovery strategy for transformative oncology medicines from discovery through IND, translating tumor and immune biology into clinically meaningful patient outcomes. Champion AI/ML-driven approaches and modern ways of working to keep Takeda's Oncology Drug Discovery Unit at the forefront of innovation and impact. Based in Boston, MA.

Responsibilities

• Scientific & Strategic Leadership (Discovery to IND):
  • Ensure all programs have strong mechanistic rationale, clear differentiation hypotheses, and clinical line of sight.
  • Integrate AI/ML and digital approaches into biologics drug discovery and help shape ODDU’s long-term research vision.
  • Continuously assess the external oncology landscape to inform strategy and guide biologics portfolio evolution.
  • Uphold scientific excellence, operational rigor, urgency, and a culture of innovation and high-quality decisionmaking.
  • Extensive experience with bringing biologic drugs to IND in oncology, including multi-specific antibodies, immune modulators, Fc- or payload-driven formats, and tumor-targeted therapies.
  • Guide modality selection based on biology, mechanism, and clinical need.
• Program Leadership & Execution:
  • Own early asset strategy and lead cross-functional program teams from discovery through IND.
  • Advance biologics programs through key milestones, including development candidate nomination and IND-enabling activities.
  • Manage external partnerships to support high-confidence IND submissions and a sustainable research engine.
  • Develop and communicate integrated program strategies across internal and external stakeholders.
• People Leadership & Organizational Impact:
  • Mentor emerging scientific and operational leaders; develop biologics drug discovery capabilities across the organization.
  • Foster a culture that encourages scientific rigor, constructive challenge, continuous learning, and urgency to advance impactful medicines to patients.
  • Contribute to enterprise-level research initiatives and shape a broader organizational strategy.
• External Engagement & Partnerships:
  • Represent Takeda and ODDU across academic, biotech, industry, and business development forums.
  • Strengthen external collaborations that enhance innovation in biologics drug discovery and accelerate program execution.
  • Participate in evaluating external innovation opportunities, including partnerships, collaborations, in-licensing, and acquisitions.
• Portfolio Leadership & Decision Making:
  • Own progression, prioritization, and termination decisions for oncology biologics programs based on rigorous data-driven criteria.
  • Promote early discontinuation of non-differentiated or insufficiently validated programs to maintain a high-impact research engine.
  • Contribute to enterprise-level portfolio governance, strategic investment decisions, and long-range planning.

Skills

• AI/ML-driven discovery and digital approaches in biologics drug discovery.
• Leadership in matrixed environments and cross-functional program execution.
• External engagement and partnerships development.
• Strategic thinking, portfolio governance, and data-driven decision making.
• Strong communication and collaboration across internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Who You Are: An accomplished and visionary oncology “drug hunter” and seasoned leader with deep expertise in biologics drug discovery and development.
• Deep oncology expertise with broad therapeutic awareness.
• Major contributions to multiple INDs and a proven track record advancing biologics oncology programs into the clinic.
• Deep expertise in antibody-based and multifunctional biologics—including multi-specifics, immune modulators, tumor-targeted biologics, and Fc/payload-enabled formats.
• Strong leadership in matrixed environments and a passion for AI/ML-driven discovery.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing teams.
• Exceptional communication skills and external presence to advance programs and collaborations.

Education

• Ph.D. or equivalent in life sciences with 15+ years in discovery and preclinical development, including 10+ years in leadership.