Global Therapeutic Research Lead (Small Molecule)

Role Summary

Global Therapeutic Research Lead (Small Molecule) — leading one or more top priority small molecule drug discovery programs from target identification through preclinical development, with mentorship of global research teams and representation across neuroscience drug discovery strategy and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage one or more ‚ÄòTop 10‚Äô 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 within Immunology and Inflammation, advising on Top 10 project selections.
• 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 and to the asset commercial value within the Neuroscience Therapeutic Area.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to global project team members; mentor future and more junior project leads; elevate drug discovery capability across Research.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and partners to drive project delivery; partner with internal and external collaborators for pipeline and enterprise impact.
• Provide strategic, process, and operational leadership for successful Top 10 Project delivery; foster a culture of innovation and scientific excellence.
• 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.
• Stay abreast of latest advancements in drug discovery and apply knowledge to enhance strategies; build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including academic and industry partners.
• Represent Takeda externally for the Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit and evaluate external opportunities as an ambassador for Takeda‚Äôs global business development.

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 with global management experience; experience leading drug discovery teams and projects in pharma/biotech, including 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 numerous projects (5+), including involvement in 3+ INDs; experience delivering assets across multiple modalities.
• Strong leadership with ability to inspire diverse teams; proactive, solutions-oriented; excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong business acumen with regulatory and commercial understanding; ability to build and maintain cross-functional relationships.
• Demonstrated success in building strategic partnerships with academic and industry collaborators.

Skills

• Strategic project leadership
• Drug discovery and preclinical development
• Stakeholder management and collaboration
• Data-driven decision making
• External partnerships and governance

Education

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