Global Therapeutic Research Lead, Oncology – Biologics

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Job Description

Global Therapeutic Research Lead, Oncology – Biologics Focus

Are you a biotech or pharma executive ready to shape the future of oncology drug discovery—particularly in the rapidly evolving field of biologics? As a key member of Takeda’s Oncology Drug Discovery Unit (ODDU) Leadership Team, the Global Therapeutic Research Lead (GTRL) will set the vision for next-generation oncology discovery. This leader is accountable for discovering and advancing differentiated biologics therapies by translating deep understanding of tumor and immune biology into clinically meaningful results for patients. You will champion the integration of AI/ML-driven approaches and future-forward ways of working, ensuring ODDU remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and patient impact.

In this highly visible role, you will define the biologics drug discovery strategy for transformative oncology medicines and represent Takeda at the highest levels across scientific, strategic, and external forums. The GTRL ensures that strategies for biologics drug discovery are fully integrated across the ODDU portfolio and leveraged to accelerate high impact programs.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities-

Scientific & Strategic Leadership (Discovery to IND)

The GTRL serves as a critical pipeline leader, responsible for shepherding Takeda’s most promising biologics oncology programs from discovery through IND. You will:

• Ensure all programs have strong mechanistic rationale, clear differentiation hypotheses, and clinical line of sight.
• Integrate AI/ML and digital approaches into biologics drug discovery and help shape ODDU’s long-term research vision.
• Continuously assess the external oncology landscape to inform strategy and guide biologics portfolio evolution.
• Uphold scientific excellence, operational rigor, urgency, and a culture of innovation and high-quality decisionmaking.
• Extensive experience with bringing biologic drugs to IND in oncology. These include multi-specific antibodies, immune modulators, Fc- or payload-driven formats, and tumor-targeted therapies.
• Guide modality selection based on biology, mechanism, and clinical need.

Program Leadership & Execution

• Own early asset strategy and lead cross-functional program teams from discovery through IND.
• Advance biologics programs through key milestones, including development candidate nomination and IND-enabling activities.
• Manage external partnerships to support high-confidence IND submissions and a sustainable research engine.
• Develop and communicate integrated program strategies across internal and external stakeholders.

People Leadership & Organizational Impact

• Mentor emerging scientific and operational leaders; develop biologics drug discovery capabilities across the organization.
• Foster a culture that encourages scientific rigor, constructive challenge, continuous learning, and urgency to advance impactful medicines to patients.
• Contribute to enterprise-level research initiatives and shape a broader organizational strategy.

External Engagement & Partnerships

• Represent Takeda and ODDU across academic, biotech, industry, and business development forums.
• Strengthen external collaborations that enhance innovation in biologics drug discovery and accelerate program execution.
• Participate in evaluating external innovation opportunities, including partnerships, collaborations, in-licensing, and acquisitions.

Portfolio Leadership & Decision Making

• Own progression, prioritization, and termination decisions for oncology biologics programs based on rigorous data-driven criteria.
• Promote early discontinuation of non-differentiated or insufficiently validated programs to maintain a high-impact research engine.
• Contribute to enterprise-level portfolio governance, strategic investment decisions, and long-range planning.

Who You Are

You are an accomplished and visionary oncology “drug hunter” and seasoned leader with deep expertise in biologics drug discovery and development. You bring:

• Deep oncology expertise with broad therapeutic awareness.

• Major contributions to multiple INDs and a proven track record advancing biologics oncology programs into the clinic.

• Deep expertise in antibody‑based and multifunctional biologics—including multi‑specifics, immune modulators, tumor‑targeted biologics, and Fc/payload‑enabled formats.
• Strong leadership in matrixed environments and a passion for AI/ML‑driven discovery.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and inspire high‑performing teams.
• Exceptional communication skills and external presence to advance programs and collaborations.

Education and Experience

Ph.D. or equivalent in life sciences with 15+ years in discovery and preclinical development, including 10+ years in leadership.

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:

$208,200.00 - $327,140.00

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.