Job Description
By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda’s Privacy Notice and Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge. Job Description At Takeda, we are a forward-looking, world-class R&D organization that unlocks innovation and delivers transformative therapies to patients. By focusing R&D efforts on three therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide. Objective / Purpose: The Senior Scientist will play a pivotal role in Takeda’s “Lab of the Future” initiative, driving the design, miniaturization, and execution of robust cellular assays on fully automated, integrated platforms. Leveraging advanced automation systems and statistical analysis, this individual will ensure high-throughput, reproducible, and high-quality data generation to support iterative AI-integrated Design–Make–Test–Analyze (DMTA) cycles for both small- and large-molecule discovery. The Senior Scientist will partner closely with Drug Discovery Units (DDUs), chemistry, data sciences, and automation engineering to translate complex cellular data into actionable insights that accelerate portfolio progression and enable data-driven decision-making. This role contributes to critical function delivery as follows: Accelerates Discovery through Automation and AI-Integrated DMTA: Designs and executes cellular assays in 384- and 1,536-well formats on fully automated, robotic platforms with integrated workflows, enabling rapid, high-throughput testing and iterative optimization. Ensures Data Quality and Scientific Rigor: Applies statistical methodologies to evaluate assay performance (e.g., Z’ factor, S/B, curve-fit confidence) and maintains reproducibility and reliability of decision-enabling datasets. Drives Cross-Functional Impact: Partners with DDUs, chemistry, and data science teams to interpret cellular data in the context of SAR, disease biology, and mechanism-of-action, informing compound progression and portfolio decisions. Accountabilities: Advance Automated Cellular Lead Profiling Design, develop, optimize, and validate disease-relevant cellular assays supporting hit identification, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization programs in oncology and gastrointestinal diseases. Drive assay miniaturization to 384- and 1,536-well formats, ensuring robustness, reproducibility, and biological relevance. Implement statistically rigorous assay performance standards (e.g., Z’ factor, signal-to-background, CV, curve-fit quality metrics) to ensure data integrity and confidence in decision-making. Enable Efficient DMTA Cycles Deliver timely IC50 determinations and mechanistic cellular data to support iterative DMTA cycles across small- and large-molecule modalities. Interpret cellular data in the context of SAR, disease biology, and target mechanism to inform compound progression. Continuously improve workflows to shorten cycle times and increase throughput while maintaining quality. Operate Within Fully Integrated, Automated Systems Develop and execute assays on fully automated robotic platforms, including liquid handling systems, acoustic dispensing, high-content imaging, and multimode detection technologies. Partner with automation engineers to design scalable, modular workflows aligned with Lab of the Future principles. Contribute to seamless integration of instrumentation with LIMS/ELN systems, scheduling software, and digital data pipelines to enable end-to-end automation. Ensure Data Excellence & AI-Readiness Apply advanced statistical analysis and visualization tools to assess assay robustness, variability, and data quality. Ensure datasets are standardized, curated, and appropriately annotated to support AI/ML-driven analytics and cross-program insights. Contribute to data governance practices that promote longitudinal learning across Takeda’s discovery portfolio. Collaborate Across Takeda Partner closely with DDUs, data sciences, translational sciences, and medicinal chemistry to advance program objectives. Communicate findings clearly in cross-functional forums and contribute to scientific discussions that shape portfolio decisions. Uphold Takeda’s values of Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance in all scientific and operational activities. Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral): Expected: Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Chemical Biology, or related discipline with at least 2+ years of industry experience; OR M.S. with 8+ years; OR B.S. with 1