Skip to main content
three employees in a lab looking at something through a microscope

Executive Medical Director, Pharmacovigilance, Gastrointestinal and Inflammation (Hybrid)

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

Takeda has been translating science into breakthrough medicines for 240 years. Every step of the way, our teams have worked together to tackle some of the most challenging problems in drug discovery and development. Today, we’re a driving force behind innovative therapies that make a lasting difference to millions of patients around the world.

In R&D, all of our history and potential comes together in an environment that welcomes diversity of thought and amplifies every voice. Working closely with colleagues, you’ll play a key role in bringing our rich pipeline of products forward to help patients. Come join a team that’s earned trust for more than two centuries, and find out how advancing transformative therapies at Takeda will shape your bright future.

Job ID R0136909 Date posted 10/17/2024 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

About the role:

Join Takeda as an Executive Medical Director, Pharmacovigilance in Gastrointestinal and Inflammation (GI²). You will oversee medical safety activities and processes for assigned products, ensuring continuous assessment of safety profiles and benefit-risk of investigational compounds.

You will provide strategic, patient-focused leadership for medical safety, support asset strategies, and strengthen medical and scientific innovation. Timely escalation of safety issues to the Takeda Safety Board Chair is required. You will define and implement a vision for Patient Safety, enhance medical safety capabilities, and be a core member of company-wide Committees and Governance.

As part of the Patient Safety and Pharmacovigilance (PSPV) team, you will report to the Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head of Gastrointestinal and Inflammation PSPV. You will manage/oversee physicians and Health Care Professionals (HCPs) serving as Global Safety Leaders (GSL) and PV Scientists for clinical developmental and marketed compounds in the designated therapeutic area.

How you will contribute:

  • Maintains and develops innovative medical safety capabilities, Develops and implements Patient focused functional vision.

  • Oversight of cross-functional Safety Management Teams for allocated TA.

  • Responsible for the management of physicians and Health Care Professionals (HCPs) who serve as the Global Safety Leaders (GSL) and PV Scientists for both developmental and marketed compounds in the designated therapeutic area and may act as a GSL.

  • Interacts with and influences other cross-functional departments (e.g. Development Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Data Science Institute, Clinical Science, etc.) to ensure the successful development, design, and implementation of comprehensive safety and benefit-risk assessment for both developmental and marketed products for allocated TA.

  • Oversees and manages signal and risk management activities undertaken by the GSLs and PV Scientists and ensures that both developmental and marketed compounds have a comprehensive safety assessment plan in situ.

  • Oversees and manages any emerging safety signal although the primary responsibility will reside with the GSL. The position holder will have a pivotal role in managing contributions/presentations to Takeda Safety Board and company-wide Committees and governances.

  • Develops medical safety operational process frameworks.

  • Drives process improvement and change management in concurrence with company-wide and functional plans.   

  • Drives and advances TA medical safety capability and capacity both strategically and with innovative approaches.

  • Ensures, in conjunction with the Head, GI2 PSPV Therapeutic Area and other functions within PSPV, the effective functioning of the department including strategic and long-term planning and resource assessments.

  • Deputizes for the VP, Head, of Global Medical Safety, Gastrointestinal and Inflammation Therapeutic Area Unit.

  • Contributes to the development and implementation of innovative and Patient-focused strategies to support medical and scientific safety excellence.

  • Maintains and develops perspectives to enhance PSPV innovation from external expertise and network. 

  • In conjunction with other TAHs, Medical Safety, and other relevant PSPV/cross-functional disciplines leads and coordinate interpretation of safety data from internal and external studies/sources and communicates at senior leadership level the impact of same both in terms of “go/no go” decisions or modification of development plan or study design, including the potential impact on developmental and registrations timelines or product labeling.

  • Responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting safety information from ongoing clinical and non-clinical studies, alongside the assessment of ensuring scientific and medical implications. Further, coordinates/leads recommendations derived from emerging new safety data for developmental compounds and marketed drugs, ensuring the primacy of Patient safety.

  • Leads and/or participates along with PSPV and cross-functional colleagues in the development of a global consensus on signal and risk management tools and activities.

  • As one of the most senior physicians in PSPV will mentor other PV physicians and HCPs for adequate safety monitoring and signal/ risk management assessment and analysis for developmental compounds and marketed drugs.

  • Responsible for presentations to Safety Board and other company-wide Committees and Governance and facilitates cross-functional interactions (within and outside PSPV for same. As appropriate the position holder will directly involve himself/herself in presentations to Safety Board, recognizing that this will primarily reside with the GSL and will ensure follow-up to requests from Safety Board.

  • Attends corporate committees and external Boards representing the assigned therapeutic area(s).

  • Oversees the medical safety evaluation of projects by the PSPV physicians and HCPs for new business development, potential in-licensing opportunities (e.g. due diligence evaluations), and Pharmacovigilance Agreements with Business Partners. 

  • Supervises the allocated medical safety team in the preparation, analysis, and presentation of safety information, compilation of the highest quality, and medical interpretation of safety data in support of safety update regulatory submissions, investigational and new drug applications, and interactions with Regulatory Authorities worldwide.

  • Ensures the oversight of safety-related activities performed by partners and CROs specifically for quality and performance.

  • Anticipates regulatory implications of emerging safety issues and develops strategies for handling/managing such issues, Directs PSPV interactions with Regulatory Authorities.

  • Ensures that PSPV physicians and HCPs are proactively identifying safety concerns and developing contingency strategies that address these challenges.

  • Assists in optimizing PSPV capacity and capability planning and execution.

  • Leads and/or contributes to initiatives across disciplines and cross-functionally.

  • Contributes to creating and communicating an environment culture and values which attract, inspire, retain, and develop the most effective talents at all levels to maximize their career development and contribution to the Business. 

  • Maintains knowledge of products and product environment.

  • Maintains expertise and awareness/understanding of international PV regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA, PMDA) and guidelines (CIOMS, ICH); Ensures compliance with regulatory and medical/scientific standards and guidelines.      

  • Maintains professional knowledge and accreditation by active participation in continuing medical education activities.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Medical Degree (MD) required or internationally recognized equivalent ideally combined with Advanced Degree.

  • 10 years+ of experience gained in Pharmacovigilance, Clinical Research, or Clinical Development within the Pharmaceutical industry and/or academia and/or CRO including significant experience in operating in a global pharmacovigilance organization.

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in people management.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory agency requirements regarding drug safety and an understanding of general drug safety methodologies.

  • Ability to comprehend and synthesize complex data and should have experience in the identification, analysis, and implementation of programs and procedures required to achieve corporate objectives.

  • Safety submission experience is desirable.

  • Experience operating in a multi-disciplinary drug development environment including international experience and exposure to a variety of therapeutic areas.

  • Experience working in an outsourced environment managing suppliers, CROs, vendors, and strategic partnerships.

  • Identifies opportunities and anticipates changes in the medical safety. landscape through an understanding and ongoing assessment of the environment affecting the Patient.

  • Develops partnerships with internal and external stakeholders' strategic objectives.

  • Inspires commitment through a wide range of communication channels (meetings, writing, presentations) and demonstrates integrity.

  • Must have demonstrable experience in people management at a leadership level and well-developed skills in team building, motivating, empowering, and developing people.

  • Work productively in a fast-moving and pressured environment.

  • Good analytical/judgment capabilities to understand, analyze/synthesize and communicate successfully and concisely.

  • Well-developed time management skillset to assist in prioritization of multiple issues.

  • Computer literate, including safety database acumen.

  • Self-resourced, with the confidence to take the initiative and act autonomously.

  • Both facilitate and efficiently lead meetings, both in person and in other media.

  • Excellent communication skillset, orally and presentational.

  • Proven ability to work globally and cross-functionally, with strong interpersonal skills /appropriately assertive /team-minded and mentoring.

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.

Discover more at takedajobs.com

No Phone Calls or Recruiters Please.

#LI-KD1

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:

282,100.00 - 443,300.00

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
Apply Now
During my 20-year journey here, I’ve been fully supported by my colleagues, and I can’t say enough about our rich internal talent and the long-standing values that drive our decisions as we work to develop important medicines for the patients we serve.

Doug Coffman - Head, R&D Asset Transition & Integration Office, R&D Regional & Business Operations

When making any type of decision, the first thing we ask is 'how will this impact patients?’ Ultimately, we’re laser focused on the best interests of the patient, and I truly believe we follow through on that.

Meredith Culp - GPM Head & Chief of Staff, Neuroscience Therapeutic Area

Our culture and shared values make us like a family here at Takeda. It doesn't feel like work when you're doing something you love with people you love, and when your outcome is really fantastic.

Alison Handley, Head, Center for External Innovation

The heart of our work

Shining a light on new perspectives

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 2024.
  • 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


View Map of Boston, Massachusetts

Join our talent community

Get customized job alerts sent right to your inbox. Plus, get the latest in company news and other important resources by signing up for our talent community.

Learn about job updates