Global Therapeutic Research Lead, Oncology

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Job Description

Global Therapeutic Research Lead, Oncology

Are you a biotech or pharma executive ready to shape the future of oncology drug discovery? Join Takeda’s ODDU Leadership Team to drive AI-powered innovation and deliver transformative medicines to patients worldwide. As a member of the Oncology Drug Discovery Unit (ODDU) Leadership Team, you will set the vision for next-generation oncology discovery, lead high-impact project teams, and represent Takeda at the highest levels—internally and externally. 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.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Leveraging a proven track record of leading discovery programs to clinic, the Global Therapeutic Research Lead (GTRL) is a pipeline critical strategic leader responsible for driving Research’s most promising projects to the clinic, taking responsibility for the asset strategy and serving as the cross-functional team leader.   
• As member of the ODDU Leadership Team, this leader will help guide and execute the vision and strategy for the ODDU, leveraging AI/ML and digital innovation to accelerate discovery and development.
• As a key ‘drug hunter’ talent in Takeda Research, this leader will take on key mentoring roles, including helping to develop the next generation of project team leaders.  This leader will also play a visible role in global Research initiatives.
• Driven by a passion for making a difference for patients, this leader will play a critical role in accelerating transformative drug discovery to deliver life-changing therapies to patients with rigor and urgency. Serve as a visible leader and ambassador for Takeda, representing the organization with external partners, at scientific conferences, and in industry forums. 

Who You Are

• Visionary leader with a track record as an experienced ‘drug hunter’  in biotech or large pharma.
• Ph.D. or equivalent in life sciences; 15+ years of experience in drug discovery and preclinical development.
• Proven ability to advance programs from discovery to IND and beyond, with major contributions to at least 3 INDs.
• Deep expertise in oncology and broad experience across multiple therapeutic areas.
• Recognized for building high-performing teams, driving innovation, and delivering results in complex, matrixed environments.
• Passionate about emerging technologies and AI/ML-driven drug discovery.
• Outstanding communicator and external influencer.

Program & Portfolio Leadership

• Oversee drug discovery and development programs across building a connected view of the project disease area strategy and treatment paradigm and can represent all core expertise at depth and align with stakeholders and sponsors across the organization including Research, Clinical Development and Commercial stakeholders and executive level governance committees.
• Advance promising molecules—engineered by AI/ML-driven platforms—through development candidate stage gates, lead IND-enabling activities, and partner with clinical organizations to deliver differentiated therapeutics into the clinic.
• GTRLs are responsible for creating the medicine vision, early asset strategy and managing multiple external partnerships that accelerate delivery of the project in partnership with a Global Project Lead following Candidate Selection.
• GTRLs will establish smart, fast, and critical path minded practices for groups, including integrating new strategies and competitive industry ways of working.
• GTRL will advise on the continuous infusion of new Research projects aligned to strategy to generate a sustainable Research Engine generating a steady flow of high-quality INDs every year.

Cross-Functional & External Collaboration

• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Protein Sciences, Early-stage Biology, Therapeutic Assay Sciences, and Clinical Development. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners. Represent ODDU and Takeda externally, serving as an ambassador for scientific and business development.

Accountabilities

• Drive the end-to-end drug discovery process for high-priority oncology programs, from target identification through preclinical development and IND submission.
• Shape and communicate program strategy, ensuring alignment with internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop future leaders, elevating the organization’s scientific and operational capabilities.
• Ensure scientific excellence, operational rigor, and a culture of innovation across all programs.
• Represent ODDU and Takeda in high-level governance, external collaborations, and business development opportunities.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

• Ph.D. or equivalent in life sciences; 15+ years of experience in drug discovery and preclinical development, with 10+ years in scientific leadership roles.
• Proven track record of advancing oncology programs from discovery to IND and beyond, with major contributions to at least 3 INDs.
• Deep expertise in oncology and broad experience across multiple therapeutic areas.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams, drive innovation, and deliver results in complex, matrixed environments.
• Outstanding communication, external influence, and partnership-building skills.

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

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

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