Skip to main content
pharmacist in the lab with a microscope

Associate Engineering Fellow, Process Engineering

Cambridge, Massachusetts
Apply Now
  • Job Level: Senior
  • Travel: 5-10%

The Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharm Sci) organization is an integral part of global R&D at Takeda, translating science into therapeutic products for patients. When you join Pharm Sci, you become part of a team dedicated to bringing our products to life for our patients through innovation, dedication and talent while minimizing environmental impact.

We work as a member of Takeda’s Global Program Team (GPT) and take full ownership of Chemistry, Manufacturing & Control (CMC) activities — driving product development from bench to bedside.

The Pharm Sci team focuses on executing and enhancing business processes and partnering with key stakeholders and industry leaders to boldly deliver an increasingly complex portfolio. Always looking through a sustainability lens to protect our planet, we are embracing new ways of working, excelling in our data and digital transformation, building differentiated capabilities (CMC Acceleration), delivering innovative medical devices, and advancing an inclusive, innovative culture.

It is an exciting time to be in Pharm Sci. Join our journey and change the lives of patients!

Job ID R0122187 Date posted 05/02/2024 Location Cambridge, 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

Synthetic Molecule Process Development (SMPD) is responsible for the development of robust, sustainable, and cost-effective processes for the manufacture of new synthetic molecule pharmaceuticals, along with methods for achieving and controlling high standards of purity and quality.

The successful candidate will be recognized as a technical resource/expert within SMPD and across Pharmaceutical Sciences and utilize his/ her technical expertise to contribute across multiple projects, drive technical/scientific strategy and mentor junior engineers. The Associate Engineering Fellow will be leading complex programs and will be responsible for all aspects of reaction & particle engineering, including the development of scale down models for the study of unit operations, process safety evaluation as well as technical transfer to external contract manufacturing organizations. He or she will be collaborating closely with the Chemistry and Technology groups to apply enabling & emerging development and manufacturing technologies and will be responsible for helping shape the department’s technology roadmap, based on pipeline needs and current trends in research.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience in using process analytical technologies (PAT) in combination with mathematical models (both statistical & first principle) to enhance process understanding to effectively develop/ optimize/ scale-up and troubleshoot processes. The Associate Engineering Fellow will have experience with building scale-down equipment and developing innovative advanced process control strategies for both batch and continuous processes. The ideal candidate will strive to continuously improve how pipeline projects are supported and will be developing new workflows to facilitate and accelerate process development, optimization and understanding as well as technical transfer to manufacturing, leveraging digital tools, automation, robotics and/ or cobotics. He or she will represent Takeda with universities/industrial consortia and drive the group’s publication strategy.

How you will contribute:

  • Develops project and/ or significant technical strategy and leverages technical skill(s) as a resource/expert within the department.

  • Collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including process chemistry, analytical development, drug product development, manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs, to develop and implement effective process engineering strategies.

  • Drives process optimization initiatives to improve sustainability, process efficiency, yield, quality, and cost-effectiveness, utilizing expertise in process chemistry and fundamental engineering principles.

  • Oversees process scale-up activities from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial-scale production, ensuring smooth technology transfer and process validation.

  • Has full accountability for all engineering aspects for complex pipeline projects.

  • Initiates complex projects with extraordinary technical challenges and applies strong technical risk assessment skills.

  • Owns a discipline/technical skill in its entirety and continues to develop expertise in other key technical skills.

  • Conducts analysis of technical and conceptual risk through robust process characterization, failure mode analysis, and risk assessment methodologies, identifies trends and defines and champions process or scientific strategies.

  • Benchmarks current trends in R&D and manufacturing technologies.

  • Incorporates novel manufacturing, technologies, and industry trends as a key aspect of scientific strategy development.

  • Leads small working groups as appropriate to address knowledge gaps in programs linking departmental strategy to strategies of other relevant functions.

  • Identifies topics for initiatives and leads local/global initiatives on behalf of senior staff.

  • Recognized as a technical leader/resource by the group and fosters development of technology skill sets within department and among junior staff.

  • Acts as a mentor to junior staff.

  • Leads the development of novel solutions for complex cross-functional data analysis, modeling, and engineering challenges.

  • Contributes to departmental strategy around scientific improvement and new capabilities.

  • Coordinates and leads technology transfer to internal or external manufacturing sites or vendors.

  • Communicates with senior management of other functions on implementation of infrastructure, technology, work processes, or business processes.

  • Responsible for authoring relevant sections of regulatory documents, validation plans, development reports, process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), process descriptions and peer reviewed manuscripts.

  • Defines outsourcing strategy for department in conjunction with senior staff.

  • Proactively identifies vendors and builds relationships to gain access to technologies as needed to deliver against pipeline goals.

  • Attends pertinent workshops and conferences. Belongs to a national professional society, actively participates in local and national activities. Presents scientific posters or podia internally and externally to Takeda. Authors internal reports of publication quality and co-authors publishable manuscripts. Represents Takeda in relationships with universities and industrial consortia. Is an inventor on invention disclosures and patents. Authors publications. Contributes to and drives publication strategy within department. Establishes recognition as scientific leader within Takeda.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

  • A Ph.D. degree with 7+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience; an MS degree with 13+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience; or a BS degree with 15+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience. Degrees in chemical engineering required

  • Extensive experience in the use of mathematical, both statistical and first principle, models as well as advanced process control systems preferred.

  • Extensive experience in building reaction kinetic models as well as process models preferred.

  • Extensive experience in building laboratory and pilot plant equipment preferred.

  • Experience in crystallization process development and scale-up with an emphasis on polymorph, purity and particle size control a plus.

  • Experience in the use and scale-up of milling technologies (both dry and wet) for particle size control preferred.

  • Experience in the use of process analytical technologies (FT-IR, NIR, FBRM, UV-vis, etc.) required.

  • Experience in building chemometric models preferred.

  • Experience in developing continuous processes a plus.

  • Sound knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

  • Experience working in a pilot plant a plus.

  • Previous experience with the use of contract facilities and managing technical transfers.

  • Experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.

  • Significant technical and strategic leadership and accomplishments

  • Previous experience contributing to regulatory filings, preferably experience with late-stage filings.

  • Proven scientific track record through presentations at scientific conferences and publication of peer reviewed manuscripts.

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Able to troubleshoot critical issues or problems and determine the causes and possible solutions

  • Ability to work well on global cross-functional team.

  • Ability to expresses oneself clearly and concisely within team; documents issues and/or concerns concisely and comprehensively; adjusts communication style as appropriate for the audience timely and effectively communicates with senior management; technical writing skills to support authorship of internal/external and approval of internal technical documents

  • Excellent time management and prioritization skills to balance several project and departmental objectives

  • Recognized specialist in defined scientific area or areas

  • Ability to capture knowledge within the organization; improves solutions, processes, and deliverables through use of information; improves information capital by contributing experience, theories, deliverables, and models for others to use

  • Demonstrated involvement in professional community evidenced by presentation of scientific posters or lectures at professional conferences or events and communicating new scientific trends. Interacts with external vendors for projects

  • Develops and uses knowledge and interpersonal skills to appropriately influence and guide others towards the accomplishment of department/function goals and objectives

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.

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:

Cambridge, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

149,100.00 - 234,300.00

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

Cambridge, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes
Apply Now

Where you fit in

Our teams are experienced in medicinal chemistry, multi-step synthesis, multimodal genetics, genomics datasets, pharmacokinetics and more. So wherever your expertise and passion lie, your work will have tangible outcomes, advancing an innovative pipeline that serves unmet needs.

We're delving deeper than ever inside the human body and its microbiome, implementing innovative approaches to deliver high-quality products that treat a range of illnesses, including IBD and cancer.

In our diverse, forward-thinking culture, we're constantly embracing new ways of working:

  • Partnering with research teams, GPTs, business development and our commercial partners in GMS/GQ
  • Supporting all stages of pre-clinical and clinical development
  • Providing enabling technologies, including formulation and delivery strategies, analytical expertise and IP
  • Developing processes to manufacture high-quality Clinical Trial Material and other
  • Focusing on broad therapeutic areas on multiple device platforms: Advanced Delivery Devices, Home & Point-Of-Care Diagnostics, Software & Connectivity for eHealth devices and state-of-the-art Medical Devices & Combination Products

On our team in Pharmaceutical Sciences, you’ll notice a big difference in your own life, too. You’ll be supported to develop your career. You'll connect with brilliant minds and be recognized for your accomplishments. Your curiosity, skills and dedication will have a place and a purpose. So even when you’re exploring the smallest of details, your world will be bigger than ever.

  • Perform cell processing operations

  • Support clean room activities

  • Ensure equipment maintenance

  • Support investigations in deviations

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 headshot

Christina Alves - Head of Biotherapeutics Process Development

Within Takeda, there’s a lot of room for disruption and challenging how things have been done before.
headshot of briana rawson

Briana Rawson - Lead, Human Factors Engineer

I love that I get to connect smaller, newer ventures with Takeda’s reputation and resources so that we can develop innovative ways of diagnosing and managing the conditions of patients with unmet needs.
headshot of rachel whitaker

Rachel Whitaker - Principal Engineer, Diagnostic Devices

The heart of our work

Leading with innovation

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.
  • 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

Cambridge, Massachusetts


View Map of Cambridge, 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