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Associate Director, Software Architect – AI/ML

Boston, Massachusetts
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  • Job Level: Senior
  • Travel: Minimal (if any)

Within Takeda’s Data Sciences Institute, we harness the insight of data and digital to speed the development of new medicines to patients. The Data Sciences Institute (DSI) is primarily focused on getting medicines to patients faster through innovation and efficiencies driven by data and analytics.

We nurture a culture that encourages disciplined risk-taking, supports innovation, values diversity and emphasizes implementation.

We want to hire and develop the best talent to join us on our mission to strive towards Better Health and a Brighter Future for people worldwide through leading innovation in medicine!

Job ID R0164309 Date posted 10/03/2025 Location Boston, Massachusetts

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’sPrivacy Noticeand 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

Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company to inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as the Associate Director, Software Architect – AI/ML based in Cambridge, MA.

GOALS:

We are inviting experienced software architect and engineers to join us in the ShinrAI Center for AI/ML at Takeda to design, build, and support cutting-edge AI/ML solutions – including Large Language Models (LLMs) and agentic AI --  that accelerate pharmaceutical R&D. You will collaborate with scientists and data experts to deliver scalable, compliant software platforms that drive discoveries, optimize decision-making, and streamline clinical and real-world evidence analysis.

At the ShinrAI Center, we’re a team of scientists, engineers, machine learning experts and more, working together to advance the application of artificial intelligence in developing innovative medicine for patients.  We like to solve problems, take initiative, pitch in when needed, and enthusiastic for trying new things.  We are looking for more curious thinkers who like to tackle challenging, real-world problems in a rewarding environment where your contributions are valued and have a direct impact.

We're building a diverse team whose skills, experiences, and backgrounds complement one another.  Extensive experience working in Pharma or Biotech is optional.  A strong curiosity for a deeper understanding of human health and disease to deliver innovative medicine for patients is a must.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Architect and develop AI/ML-driven software for R&D, including large language model services and multiagent orchestration to solve R&D challenges (e.g. knowledge extraction, medical writing, drug design, clinical trial optimization, etc. ).

  • Define and document the end-to-end technical architecture for new and existing software applications, including system components, services, and integrations. 

  • Develop and maintain the long-term technical roadmap, ensuring it aligns with business goals and industry best practices.

  • Lead the design of robust, scalable, and secure solutions that meet both functional and non-functional requirements.

  • Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, languages, and tools for new projects.  Validate new architectural approaches and technologies. Drive rigorous build-vs-buy analyses, recommending when to leverage partner ecosystem solutions

  • Establish and enforce architectural standards, coding best practices, and design patterns across the R&D organization. Champion and drive the adoption of modern architectural paradigms such as microservices, event-driven architecture, and serverless computing.

  • Provide technical leadership and guidance to multiple agile development teams. Mentor senior and junior engineers in cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation.

  • Work closely with product managers, business analysts, and other stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical specifications and architectural designs.

  • Collaborate with DevOps teams to ensure that the architecture is designed for continuous integration, deployment (CI/CD), and operational excellence.

  • Imagine the art of the possible—think creatively to envision bold AI innovations and translate those visions into enterprise-class, production-ready solutions.

EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

  • BS degree in computer science, engineering or related field. MS or higher degree preferred.

  • 8+ years of industry experience in architecting, building, launching, and maintaining end-to-end ML systems from whiteboard to production at scale across a range of models and platforms, such as: Hands-on coding experience with LLMs and agentic AI frameworks. Experience with AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and scientific data integration. Experience with ML Ops concepts related to testing, retraining, and monitoring models in production. Experience in configuring and working in different coding environments (local, notebooks, containers) and using standard software engineering workflows (testing, code management/Git, CI/CD).

  • A track record of partnering cross-functionally with a wide range of stakeholders and cross-functional teams to develop and deploy novel data solutions in production environments.

  • Demonstrated passion for making complex technology more accessible and the ability to communicate complex technical topics simply and convincingly to a wide range of audiences.

  • Demonstrated ability in translating big picture business and product ideas into micro use cases and has a strong focus on solving core problems to deliver straightforward, effectives solutions.

  • Experience recognizing and communicating the implications of emerging technologies.

  • Excellent communication, prioritization, and interpersonal skills, with a high level of attention to detail.

  • An enthusiasm to ask questions and try and learn new things is essential.

  • Ability to be agile, adaptable, and drive change.

  • Ability to work in global matrix organization with a high degree of uncertainty.

  • Experience in life sciences and healthcare desirable.

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.S. Base Salary Range:

$153,600.00 - $241,340.00

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.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/or long-termincentives. U.S.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. U.S.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.

Locations

Boston, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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Where you fit in

When you join our Data Sciences Institute team, you’ll connect with a diverse and talented group of scientists, engineers and analysts. Together, you’ll define cutting-edge algorithms, conduct pharmacology-based modeling and explore new approaches to data services. In a collaborative environment marked by strong, open and honest leadership, you’ll take charge of your professional advancement as you work on important projects that grow your skills and lead to ongoing opportunities.

A career within the Data Sciences Institute at Takeda will give you everything you need to succeed professionally. You’ll see up close that what you do with information and insight has the power to impact the lives of patients — today and for generations to come. Working here, you’ll understand that our people-first perspective extends beyond patients to include our Takeda team, our families and the communities where we all work and live.

  • Work with various data sources

  • Apply a breadth of methodologies

  • Develop analysis pipelines

  • Design studies

We’re using the newest technology and methods, like wearable devices and machine learning, to better understand the health of patients participating in our trials.
headshot of ariel dowing

Ariel Dowling - Head, Sensing & Measurement, Digital Health Sciences

The energy, professionalism and commitment that I experienced in every encounter, starting from the interview process, to meeting with the hiring manager, through to receiving an offer, left me feeling a certain level of consistency and thoughtfulness. That made me really feel enthusiastic.
headshot of brian johnson

Brian Johnson - Head, R&D Technology, Data Sciences Institute

Being able to predictably deliver on our portfolio priorities is where we have laser-focus each and every day. By doing this, we keep our eye on the prize of bringing new medicines to patients, and show the value that these treatments can bring to their lives.
headshot of simon davies

Simon Davies - Head of R&D Data & Quantitative Sciences

How you'll shine

Many talents one goal

Our pipeline

Our internal research capabilities and external partnerships contribute to an R&D engine that has produced exciting new molecular entities (NMEs) across our core Therapeutic Areas. Check out our pipeline and see how we’ll continue delivering a steady stream of next-generation therapies.

Learn more

What we believe in

Our values of Takeda-ism are Integrity, Fairness, Honesty and Perseverance, with Integrity as the core. These are brought to life through actions based on Patient, Trust, Reputation and Business, in that order.

Our belief in putting people first extends beyond our patients — it includes their families and communities, as well as our Takeda colleagues and their families.

We are committed to embracing our differences, valuing different perspectives, and fostering a culture of respect, inclusiveness and empowerment.

Our embedded Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) strategy enables us to attract and retain exceptional talent, drives innovation, and helps address systemic inequalities in our communities.

  • Integrity

  • Fairness

  • Honesty

  • Perseverance

Working at Takeda

  • Inclusion

    Here, you will feel welcomed, respected, and valued as a vital contributor to our global team.
  • Collaboration

    A strong, borderless team, we strive together towards our priorities and inspiring mission.
  • Innovation

    Bold initiatives, continuous improvement, and creativity are at the heart of how we bring scientific breakthroughs from the lab to patients.
  • Top Workplace

    Recognized for our culture and way of working, we’re one of only 17 companies to receive Top Global Employer® status for 2025.
  • Work-Life

    Our people-first mission extends beyond patients to include their families, communities, and our own Takeda family.
  • Empowerment

    Through trust and respect, you will have genuine support from leaders, managers, and colleagues to do your best work.

We're Steadfast In Our Commitment to Four Key Imperatives

Patient


Responsibly translate science into highly innovative medicines and accelerate access to improve lives worldwide.

People


Create an exceptional people experience.

Planet


Protect our planet.

Data & Digital


Transform Takeda into the most trusted, data-driven, outcomes-based biopharmaceutical company.

Exterior of Takeda Building

About our location

Boston, Massachusetts


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