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Job Description

About Takeda 

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet.  

Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than 240 years. Takeda is committed to being an inclusive organization where every individual can grow their skills and contribute meaningfully to our collective purpose.  We have been recognized as a global Top Employer seven years in a row and included in the top 100 in Equileap’s 2024 Gender Equality Report & Ranking. 

For more information, visit www.takeda.com. 

Takeda Research & Development (R&D)

We aim to discover, develop and deliver life-transforming medicines for patients across both rare and more prevalent disease areas and within our core R&D therapeutic areas of Oncology, Neuroscience and Gastrointestinal and Inflammation.​ We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines.  

Across our dynamic late-stage pipeline, we are advancing numerous potential therapies that could treat millions of patients globally. In addition, we have multiple programs with first-in-class and/or best-in-class potential in early to mid-stage development. Learn more about our pipeline here. We have one of the most exciting late-stage development portfolios in our history with significant potential to improve patient lives across our core therapeutic areas. 

Aligned with our core therapeutic areas, our Research efforts are focused on developing innovative solutions within our core therapeutic areas.  Research at Takeda is based on innovative science supported by data and technology, bolstered by external collaborations, and built on a comprehensive core of modalities. 

Data, Digital and Technology (DD&T)

This leader sits on both the R&D Management and enterprise DD&T leadership teams.  The DD&T operating model at Takeda is federated to accelerate our digital transformation in every business unit. Together the DD&T leadership team manages the digital pipeline to drive value across the entire company. An enterprise approach to technology provides opportunities for agility and scalability. Through our internal first approach we deliver new technologies and application improvements faster supporting Takeda’s vision to become one of the most trusted, science-driven, digital biopharmaceutical companies.

By integrating data, digital and technology, including AI, across our R&D capabilities, we are finding ways to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines with enhanced speed and quality. Takeda is creating a fully integrated technology and data ecosystem across R&D and cultivating an AI-enhanced workforce.  We are committed to building foundational technology and enhancing quantitative skills to power the entire drug discovery and development continuum, from enabling our research laboratories, conducting more efficient clinical trials, and accelerating decision-making so we can bring transformative medicines to patients sooner. 

Head, R&D Data, Digital and Technology (DD&T) Overview

The Head, R&D Data, Digital and Technology is a new position at Takeda, established to enhance research and drug development.  This individual will lead the digital strategy across R&D, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, data analytics, and AI to accelerate the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative therapies to patients.

The Head DD&T will collaborate closely with R&D leadership, the Global Data, Digital and Technology team and external partners to ensure seamless integration of digital solutions into the entire R&D lifecycle, from early-stage drug discovery to clinical development, evidence generation and post-market surveillance.  This role will focus on continuing to build our foundational technology and data ecosystem to enable; end to end data integration, improving probability of technical success and speed/efficiency.

The ideal candidate will be able to elevate the acumen of the R&D leadership team and enroll them in the development of a multi-year DD&T build that focuses on strategy, vision and execution, supporting a balance of near-term priorities and bold future aspirations.

Focus will be on:

Modernizing and integrating our legacy technology infrastructure.

Establishing a vision and plan for foreseeable future needs that would include but not be limited to:

Optimizing and delivering our high value pipeline; in particular our robust late-stage portfolio that includes an exciting first- and best-in-class orexin agonist program for sleep-wake disorders and our best-in-class TYK2 inhibitor for a range of inflammatory auto-immune diseases;

Building a novel technology and data infrastructure to power our research and pharmaceutical laboratories.

Embedding generative AI in development and regulatory sciences, particularly regarding protocol and regulatory document writing, ultimately extending large language models and automation to all portfolio documents.

Integrating advanced analytics in our portfolio and financial planning.

Leading a mid- to long-term strategy that will enable R&D to fully recognize the potential of AI, data, and automation.

Ensuring that DD&T capabilities and talent across Takeda are appropriate to meet our ambitions.

Enabling the adoption of shared enterprise product, services and platforms in driving R&D priorities.

The right candidate should have a record of accomplishment within biopharmaceutical R&D overseeing, embracing, and delivering on bold ideas that impact the future of our industry. Given the unparalleled moment in which we are sitting and the potential for digital to transform biopharmaceutical R&D, we would expect this candidate to have a track record of experiences with a mix of successes and setbacks, indicating a willingness to embrace and rapidly iterate around new ways of working.

The best candidate for this job can advocate and deliver on investments in solutions that we buy, partner or build. We need a leader who can evaluate existing digital solutions as well as feel comfortable creating those that in many cases do not exist. The ideal leader is someone who has overseen, or even coded, a new system that delivered high impact to their organization.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategy: Lead at the intersection of technology with R&D, developing and implementing breakthrough strategies that harness the full potential of data, digital, and technology to drive R&D success.  Guide the highly cross-functional R&D DD&T team, fostering a culture of innovation and strategic growth with significant senior executive visibility, positioning Takeda as a leader in digital biopharmaceutical R&D. Develop, communicate, and execute a comprehensive R&D DD&T strategy and roadmap with a clear vision that aligns to Takeda’s DD&T strategy and enables our R&D objectives and long-term goals, while ensuring accountability and responsibility for the strategy’s success. Management: Lead the evolution of the technology, data and digital teams within R&D, promoting efficiency, innovation, and operational excellence. This role ensures delivery and change management across the organization, with significant direct budget accountability and accountability for a large reporting line. Internal & External Partnerships: Forge strategic partnerships with internal and external innovators to enhance our R&D strategy and pipeline. Partner with R&D leaders, and extended Takeda DD&T teams to align and enhance R&D efforts.  Provide subject matter expertise on the evaluation of enterprise partnership and business development opportunities. Uphold direct accountability for ensuring alignment and successful partnership outcomes. Project Execution: Build and maintain robust delivery and support systems that leverage cutting-edge technology and advanced analytics to meet evolving R&D needs, with a direct focus on continuous improvement.  Oversee the execution of high-impact projects. Ensure direct accountability for the project’s success and alignment with broader DD&T strategy.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

The R&D Head DD&T has a “double major” in both R&D and DD&T with extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, specifically across the R&D continuum. They have demonstrated experience in integrating the diverse internal and external expertise needed to bring new medicines to patients to address the external regulatory, compliance, legal and reputational elements of our business.  They have both business, management and operational expertise. This role requires strong leadership skills as well as the ability to approach situations from a creative point of view.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical/scientific field such as Data Science, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Engineering; graduate degree preferred (MD/PhD/MSc).
• Extensive biopharma industry experience in roles of progressive responsibility, including previous roles in drug development or research.
• Extensive experience in digital strategy, data management, or technology leadership roles within the pharmaceutical, biotech or healthcare industries.
• Proven track record of success in leading/managing large-scale technology projects, digital transformation initiatives and data driven decision making processes, especially in an R&D or innovation environment.
• Technical proficiency and experience with modern and up and coming technologies/solutions such as cloud computing, big data, AI and machine learning and industry leading digital platforms and their application in regulated industries
• Experience working with global regulatory bodies and ensuring technology compliance in highly regulated environments

Knowledge and Skills

Strategic Vision & Leadership(Vision, strategy and business alignment, people management, communication, influencing others, managing change)

• Strategic Mindset.  Ability to translate digital and data trends into actionable business strategies.
• Stakeholder Leadership. Ability to influence and lead senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams within a matrixed global organization. Challenge the status quo in support of new ways of working and bring others along on the change journey with them.
• Trusted advisor. Engages others in collaborative working relationships. Acts as internal consultant who drives results.
• Connector. Demonstrates an enterprise mindset. Defines success from various perspectives to develop best solutions for the organization. Makes connections to people, goals, and programs within R&D and across the enterprise.  Sees opportunities beyond own role or function.
• Developer of Talent:  Prioritizes employee engagement and talent development, creating an environment where people form diverse backgrounds can thrive, meaningfully build capabilities and grow their careers.

Innovation(The required level of scientific knowledge, knowledge sharing, innovation and risk taking)

• Passion for innovation, with a demonstrated ability to foster a culture of experimentation and rapid iteration.
• Experience and/or deep understanding of contemporary digital trends (i.e. big data, data science, RPA, AI, etc.) and the ability to stay ahead of industry trends and leverage them for competitive advantage in drug development

Collaboration and Communication(The span and nature of one’s engagement with others when performing one’s job, internal and external relationships)

• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to articulate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.  Able to persuasively convey both ideas and data verbally and in writing across diverse audiences
• Proven track record of collaboration with internal R&D Teams, the central global Data, Digital and Technology teams, other business units/functions across the organization, and external partners including startups, academic institutions, and regulatory bodies

Decision-making and Autonomy(The capacity and authority to make organizational decisions, autonomy in decision-making, complexity of decisions, impact of decisions, problem-solving)

• Ability to make, influence, and evaluate decisions involving the technology architecture and roadmap as it aligns with business strategy
• Capacity to independently solve complex problems. 
• Minimizes complexity.  Translates complex decisions and change initiatives into prioritized and integrated processes.

Technical/Functional (Line) Expertise(Breadth and depth of knowledge, application and complexity of technical knowledge)

• Deep understanding of AI/ML, data analytics, cloud computing and their applications in pharmaceutical R&D. 
• Proficiency in managing large, complex datasets, including real-world data, clinical trial data and bioinformatics
• Knowledge of advanced drug discovery technologies such as computational chemistry, genomics and proteomics.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements in drug development and the use of digital tools and data in clinical settings
• Familiarity with data privacy laws and ethical considerations related to patient data
• Strong understanding of external business environment and industry trends

Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

This position is currently classified as “hybrid” in accordance with Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy

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.

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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.

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