ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, IMMUNOTHERAPY/IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY SCIENTIFIC, IN VITRO PHARMACOLOGY

Job Description About the role.
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 four therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible in order to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide.
Join Takeda as an Associate Director where you will evaluate the biological activity of the potential therapeutics candidates generated in global biologics and select the best candidates for further preclinical and clinical development.
Global Biologics' mission is the discovery of transformative innovative Biologics therapeutics to support Takeda’s pipeline and advance novel therapeutics into clinical development in Takeda’s three therapeutic areas of interest.
Oncology (immuno-oncology, cell therapies), Gastroenterology, and Neuroscience.
You will lead a team responsible for designing and implementing in vitro pharmacological assays, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies, leading the discovery of novel biologics, and contributing to the strategic direction of our Immunotherapy and Immuno-oncology research programs.
As part of the in vitro Pharmacology team, you will report to the Head of the team and work with the Global Biologics organization and be a Scientific leader with a deep subject-matter expertise, to lead our in vitro pharmacology efforts in the IO/Immunotherapy space.
How you will contribute.
Functional leadership.
Lead the design, development, optimization and execution of high-quality in vitro pharmacology assays to evaluate the activity, mechanism of action, and efficacy of novel Immunotherapy and Immuno-oncology therapeutics.
Utilize cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to assess immune cell function, immune checkpoint pathways, and tumor-immune interactions.
Develop and implement strategies to enhance the in vitro pharmacology capabilities and throughput.
Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and industry trends.
Independently designs and implements extensive scientific research projects.
Contributes to multiple projects, acting as senior scientific consultant.
Program leadership.
Lead Immunotherapy and Immuno-oncology biologics discovery programs with cross-functional teams, driving the programs from lead ID to preclinical development.
Candidates Screening and Profiling.
Oversee the screening and profiling of biologic drug candidates in relevant in vitro models including immune cell-based assays, co-culture systems, and 3D organoid models.
Evaluate candidate efficacy, potency and selectivity, to support lead optimization and candidate selection.
Mechanism of Action Studies.
Investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the activity of therapeutic candidates using in vitro pharmacology approaches.
Characterize interactions with immune targets, signaling pathways, and immune cell subsets to elucidate therapeutic mechanisms and inform drug development strategies.
Documentation.
Contributes to the preparation/editing/review of documents for regulatory submission (i.
., study reports, IB’s, IND’s).
Cross-functional collaboration.
Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary discovery teams in a matrix format, including biologics engineering, biologics production, analytics, translational scientists, and preclinical development teams to advance discovery programs.
Communicate results effectively and contribute to project team meetings, scientific discussions, and project planning activities.
Mentoring.
Mentor and develop junior scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
Minimum Requirements/Qualifications.
PhD degree in a scientific discipline such as immunology, cancer biology, or a related field with 7+ years experience, or MS with 13+ years experience, or BS with 15+ years experience.
Ph.
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or equivalent degree in immunology, cancer biology, or a related field.
Minimum of 6 years of experience in Immunotherapy/immuno-oncology research, with a focus on immune cell biology, immune checkpoints, and tumor-immune interactions.
Expertise in drug discovery and development processes, including hit identification, lead optimization, candidate selection, and preclinical development.
Proven track record of leading successful in vitro pharmacology efforts in the field of immunotherapy/immuno-oncology, including assay development and validation, candidates screening, and mechanism of action studies.
Strong technical proficiency in a wide range of in vitro pharmacology techniques and assay formats.
Excellent communication, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements and guidelines for drug discovery and development.
More about us.
At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best in class patient support programs.
Takeda is a patient-focused company that will inspire and empower you to grow through life-changing work.
Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do.
We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.
#LI-SGM #LI-Onsite Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career.
We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.
For Location.
Boston, MA U.
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Base Salary Range.
$ The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position.
The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.
The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.
U.
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based e mployee s may be eligible for s hort - t erm and/ or l ong- t erm incentive s.
U.
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based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others.
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based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.
EEO Statement Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.