Senior Director, AIRx Biologics Discovery Lead
Takeda
July 02, 2026
Remote friendly (Boston, MA)
United States
$212,000 - $333,190 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end biologics discovery (target/modality selection through candidate nomination, preclinical transition, and IND filing) for 2–3 large-molecule programs.
- Define and execute discovery strategies across antibodies, bispecifics, fusion proteins, and emerging modalities with CMC/clinical line-of-sight.
- Integrate AI-driven protein design, computational modeling, and high-throughput experimental platforms to accelerate cycle times and improve design quality.
- Evaluate and prioritize candidates using scientific, clinical, CMC, and commercial considerations (potency, selectivity, half-life, immunogenicity risk, expression yield) for go/no-go decisions.
- Optimize molecules (sequence optimization, affinity maturation, Fc engineering, developability optimization) via integrated computational and experimental approaches.
- Oversee CROs/CDMOs to deliver high-quality decision-ready data on aggressive timelines.
- Represent AIRx externally and assess platform technologies/novel modalities as a BD subject matter expert.
Qualifications:
- PhD/MD/DVM (or advanced degree) in protein biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, immunology, or related life sciences (PhD strongly preferred).
- 15+ years industry experience in biologic drug discovery; 10+ years scientific leadership in large-molecule programs.
- Proven track record leading 5+ biologic programs; minimum 2 biologic INDs required (antibody/bispecific/fusion preferred).
- Deep knowledge of target ID, discovery campaigns (yeast display/hybridoma/single B cell), lead optimization, developability, IND-enabling CMC/toxicology.
- Expertise in protein engineering (affinity maturation, CDR optimization, Fc engineering, bispecific/multispecific formats, linker design, fusion protein architecture).
- Strong AI/ML fluency with hands-on integration of generative protein design tools (e.g., RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN, ESMFold, AlphaFold).
- Knowledge of large-molecule DMPK/ FcRn recycling, half-life extension, subcutaneous absorption, immunogenicity risk, PK/PD modeling; CHO/HEK expression, purification, analytics, early formulation inputs.
- Inclusive leadership and clear communication to senior audiences.
Benefits (explicitly stated):
- Eligible for medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with match, disability coverage, basic life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer time off, paid sick time (up to 80 hours/year), and paid vacation (up to 120 hours for new hires), plus other well-being benefits.
- Lead end-to-end biologics discovery (target/modality selection through candidate nomination, preclinical transition, and IND filing) for 2–3 large-molecule programs.
- Define and execute discovery strategies across antibodies, bispecifics, fusion proteins, and emerging modalities with CMC/clinical line-of-sight.
- Integrate AI-driven protein design, computational modeling, and high-throughput experimental platforms to accelerate cycle times and improve design quality.
- Evaluate and prioritize candidates using scientific, clinical, CMC, and commercial considerations (potency, selectivity, half-life, immunogenicity risk, expression yield) for go/no-go decisions.
- Optimize molecules (sequence optimization, affinity maturation, Fc engineering, developability optimization) via integrated computational and experimental approaches.
- Oversee CROs/CDMOs to deliver high-quality decision-ready data on aggressive timelines.
- Represent AIRx externally and assess platform technologies/novel modalities as a BD subject matter expert.
Qualifications:
- PhD/MD/DVM (or advanced degree) in protein biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, immunology, or related life sciences (PhD strongly preferred).
- 15+ years industry experience in biologic drug discovery; 10+ years scientific leadership in large-molecule programs.
- Proven track record leading 5+ biologic programs; minimum 2 biologic INDs required (antibody/bispecific/fusion preferred).
- Deep knowledge of target ID, discovery campaigns (yeast display/hybridoma/single B cell), lead optimization, developability, IND-enabling CMC/toxicology.
- Expertise in protein engineering (affinity maturation, CDR optimization, Fc engineering, bispecific/multispecific formats, linker design, fusion protein architecture).
- Strong AI/ML fluency with hands-on integration of generative protein design tools (e.g., RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN, ESMFold, AlphaFold).
- Knowledge of large-molecule DMPK/ FcRn recycling, half-life extension, subcutaneous absorption, immunogenicity risk, PK/PD modeling; CHO/HEK expression, purification, analytics, early formulation inputs.
- Inclusive leadership and clear communication to senior audiences.
Benefits (explicitly stated):
- Eligible for medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with match, disability coverage, basic life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer time off, paid sick time (up to 80 hours/year), and paid vacation (up to 120 hours for new hires), plus other well-being benefits.