Head of Global Chemistry
Takeda
July 02, 2026
Remote friendly (Boston, MA)
United States
$352,000 - $484,000 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Responsibilities:
- Lead the global drug discovery chemistry team; design and create innovative small-molecule and oligonucleotide assets across therapeutic areas.
- Oversee medicinal chemistry from hit identification through IND filing for small molecules and oligonucleotides, plus preclinical development of target occupancy and disease progression PET ligands.
- Contribute to Research leadership; embed the One Research mindset and foster enterprise-wide thinking.
- Set strategic direction for chemistry teams across oncology, neuroscience, and GI/inflammatory programs (hit ID to IND).
- Lead transformation efforts, operating within ambiguity and defining future-state operating models.
- Manage resourcing/prioritization to deliver clinical development compounds on timelines.
- Improve productivity and capabilities via cutting-edge technologies, partnerships (academia/research/industry), and AI/ML tools.
- Drive change (automation, new ways of working, role evolution) and sustain performance.
- Serve as an inspirational subject-matter expert; promote innovation and knowledge sharing.
- Partner cross-functionally (biology, PK, toxicology, pharmaceutical sciences) and externally to execute chemistry strategies.
- Mentor and retain talent; promote inclusive/equitable environment.
- Ensure safe, compliant, and fiscally accountable operations; act as a Research ambassador externally.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D./advanced degree in organic/medicinal chemistry (or related); 15 years industry and 10+ years management.
- Expertise in ligand/structure-based design, parallel synthesis, and generative AI for drug discovery.
- Leadership through ambiguity and transformation; technology adoption (automation/AI), reskilling.
- Enterprise, low-ego leadership; global cultural agility.
- Deep drug discovery knowledge (HTS, hit-to-lead, preclinical).
- Experience in chemistry strategy for asset and PET ligand generation (preferred pharma/biotech).
- Business acumen for regulations/processes and commercial considerations.
- Track record delivering programs to clinical candidates and progressing assets to IND.
- Proven external partnership leadership; strong communication and publication record.
Benefits:
- Medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with match, disability coverage, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer time off, holidays, well-being benefits; up to 80 hours sick time/year; up to 120 hours paid vacation for new hires.
Location/Type:
- Boston, MA; Hybrid; Full-time.
- Lead the global drug discovery chemistry team; design and create innovative small-molecule and oligonucleotide assets across therapeutic areas.
- Oversee medicinal chemistry from hit identification through IND filing for small molecules and oligonucleotides, plus preclinical development of target occupancy and disease progression PET ligands.
- Contribute to Research leadership; embed the One Research mindset and foster enterprise-wide thinking.
- Set strategic direction for chemistry teams across oncology, neuroscience, and GI/inflammatory programs (hit ID to IND).
- Lead transformation efforts, operating within ambiguity and defining future-state operating models.
- Manage resourcing/prioritization to deliver clinical development compounds on timelines.
- Improve productivity and capabilities via cutting-edge technologies, partnerships (academia/research/industry), and AI/ML tools.
- Drive change (automation, new ways of working, role evolution) and sustain performance.
- Serve as an inspirational subject-matter expert; promote innovation and knowledge sharing.
- Partner cross-functionally (biology, PK, toxicology, pharmaceutical sciences) and externally to execute chemistry strategies.
- Mentor and retain talent; promote inclusive/equitable environment.
- Ensure safe, compliant, and fiscally accountable operations; act as a Research ambassador externally.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D./advanced degree in organic/medicinal chemistry (or related); 15 years industry and 10+ years management.
- Expertise in ligand/structure-based design, parallel synthesis, and generative AI for drug discovery.
- Leadership through ambiguity and transformation; technology adoption (automation/AI), reskilling.
- Enterprise, low-ego leadership; global cultural agility.
- Deep drug discovery knowledge (HTS, hit-to-lead, preclinical).
- Experience in chemistry strategy for asset and PET ligand generation (preferred pharma/biotech).
- Business acumen for regulations/processes and commercial considerations.
- Track record delivering programs to clinical candidates and progressing assets to IND.
- Proven external partnership leadership; strong communication and publication record.
Benefits:
- Medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with match, disability coverage, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer time off, holidays, well-being benefits; up to 80 hours sick time/year; up to 120 hours paid vacation for new hires.
Location/Type:
- Boston, MA; Hybrid; Full-time.