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Executive Director, AIRx Program Lead

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

At Takeda, we strive to provide transformational opportunities for every member of our team, and we empower our people to take charge of their futures. In an environment that fosters lifelong learning and a growth mindset, you’ll have the support you need to thrive — at work and beyond.

Job ID R0180082 Date posted 05/12/2026 Location Boston, Massachusetts

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Job Description

Takeda Research is constructing a Lab of Tomorrow built on AI, automation, new ways of working, and talent with the singular vision of delivering differentiated medicines to the clinic at speed and cost. To catalyze these efforts, Takeda is creating two complementary units: AI Research Accelerator (AIRx) and Lab Automation & Transformation (LAT). 

AIRxwill consist of a dedicated group of experienced drug hunters with the autonomy of a biotech and the resources of a leading pharmaceutical company. It is designed to incubate the future AI-powered operating models and deliver candidates to the clinic at industry leading speed and success rates.

Purpose

AsAIRxProgram Lead, you willowntheend-to-endscientific and strategic directionof2–3 discovery programwithinaunit deliberately designed toremovethe structural overhead that slows programs down in large pharma. AI-enabled design, externalized wet lab execution, and a direct line to governance: this is the environment elite drug hunters have been waiting for.

You will work alongside top computational chemists, AI/ML specialists, and biology experts in a model wherethe science— not the governance calendar — drives the paceand progress. Programs here move because the structure is built for speed. Your job is to make sure that speed produces the right medicines.

A proventrack recordof leading at least 3 discovery programs toclinicisrequired.

Accountabilities

  • Lead and manage multiple drug discovery projects; oversee the entire discovery process from target identification to preclinical development and IND

  • Define, articulate, and evolvetheprogram strategy; build the medicine vision and early asset strategy

  • Evaluate and prioritize drug candidates based on scientific, medical, and commercial considerations

  • Lead and enablerapid, AI-enabled DMTA cycles,ensuringcomputational design outputsare translated intoclearrecommendationsandfast, decisivego/no-go outcomes

  • Partner with Clinical and Translational teams to refine asset strategy and ensure clinical line of sight from early discovery

  • Manage external CROs providing services to the project; ensure timelines are met and data is decision-ready

  • Represent Takeda externally forAIRx; evaluate external opportunities and serve as BD ambassador

  • Ensure programs are delivered at pace withdisciplined cost stewardship,contributingto a sustainable,high-qualitypipeline ofINDsand informing broader portfolio strategy

Qualifications & Competencies

  • Advanced degree in health or life sciences (PhD, MD, or DVM); PhD strongly preferred

  • 15+years of industry experience with deep subject matterexpertisein drug discovery; at least 10 years in scientific leadership roles

  • Proventrack recordleading 5+ programs across discovery from targetinceptionto Candidate Nomination or beyond; minimum 3 INDsrequired

  • Deep knowledge of the drug discovery process: target identification, hit-to-lead, lead optimization, and IND-enabling activities

  • StrongAI/ML fluency and digital-forward scientificmindset; experience integrating AI/ML into drug discovery workflows

  • Excellent and inclusive leadership; able to inspire and motivate teams towards ambitious goals

  • Exceptional communication skills; able to convey complex scientific concepts to senior governance audiences

  • Demonstrated success building strategic CRO partnerships; strong business acumen including regulatory and commercial awareness

Location: Cambridge, MA

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:

$212,000.00 - $333,190.00


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-term incentives. 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

Our team at Takeda is tackling some of the most challenging problems in drug discovery and development. As the newest member of our Research team, you’ll conduct purposeful, meaningful work on groundbreaking modalities that may lead to breakthrough drugs.

With our deep investment in next-generation technologies, you’ll have the resources and support to do your best work. As a part of our team, you’ll connect with brilliant minds inside and outside of Takeda. We are committed to collaborating with academia and emerging biotech companies to expand our reach and impact in cell therapy, gene therapy and data sciences.

Our team’s wide-ranging expertise includes medicinal chemistry, genomics datasets, immunofluorescence, high content imaging, flow cytometry, transcriptional profiling, multi-step synthesis, multimodal genetics, pharmacokinetics and much more. Whatever area inspires you, your work will support the progression of an innovative, industry-leading discovery pipeline and make an impact that matters to patients and society.

We are committed to collaborating with academia and emerging biotech companies to expand our reach and impact in Oncology, Neuroscience, Gastrointestinal and Inflammation, Rare Diseases, and Data Sciences.

  • Design and carry out experiments

  • Manage multiple projects

  • Document data

  • Mentor other scientists

Along with incredibly passionate colleagues, there’s a clear commitment to invest in the best facilities and the right equipment needed to successfully perform world-class science.

Christina Alves - Head of Biotherapeutics Process Development

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.

  • Great Place to Work

    Recognized for our culture and ways of working, we’re proud to be Certified as a Great Place to Work® in 25 countries and regions.

  • 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.

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