Associate Scientific Fellow, Process Chemistry
Cambridge, Massachusetts Job ID R0185016 Category Pharmaceutical Sciences Subcategory Research & Development Business Unit Research & Development Job Type Full timeBy 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’s Privacy Notice and 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
OBJECTIVE:
The Associate Scientific Fellow in Process Chemistry is a recognized technical leader with deepexpertisein process chemistry development for synthetic molecules. Theymaintaina strong interest in laboratory work and play a critical role in advancing the portfolio by developing and executing complex scientific strategies across multiple late-stage pipeline projects,leveragingboth personal laboratory contributions and leadership of internal and external efforts.
The Associate Scientific Fellow drives the design and development of robust, scalablesynthetic routes, balancing safety, sustainability, cost, and quality. They foster strong cross-functional partnerships across SMPD, Pharm Sci, and commercial organizations to enable efficient technology transfer and lifecycle process development.
They may develop and lead project-focused academic collaborations to generate novel solutions to complex technical challenges. This includes initiating andparticipatingin projects involving significant scientific challenges with well-considered risk and high potential impact, as well as directing and managing external partnerships and outsourcing across a product platform, asappropriate.
The Associate Scientific Fellow is also expected to positivelyimpactthe scientific development of colleagues through training and mentoring and to promote the department externally by leading or contributing to multidisciplinary technical teams, driving peer-reviewed publications, andparticipatingin external conferences and scientific forums
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Recognized as a technical expert within Process Chemistry, SMPD, and across Pharm Sci, providing scientific leadership in synthetic molecule process development.
Providesin-labmentorship and technical guidance to colleagues, elevating scientific rigor and problem-solving capabilities by modeling best practices, reviewing technical approaches, and strengthening overall organizational capability
Leads and executes complex scientific strategies across multiple late-stage programs, contributing directly through personal laboratory work and by guiding internal and external teams.
Designs and advances robust, scalable drug substance manufacturing processes, ensuring alignment with safety, sustainability, cost, and qualityobjectives.
Owns technical responsibility for one or more programs or key initiatives,ensuring integration of process understanding into development and manufacturing readiness.
Applies deep technicalexpertisetoidentify, assess, and mitigate scientific and process risks, enabling informed decision-making under conditions of uncertainty.
Develops and implements innovative solutions to complex synthetic and process challenges, incorporating emerging technologies and industry best practices.
Ensure strongcross-departmentcollaboration across SMPD (Process Research, Process Analytics, Process Engineering, Process Sciences&Technology,DS Portfolio Leadership), Pharm Sci,andcommercialmanufacturing partners to ensure effective technology transfer and lifecycle process development.
Leads and manages external partnerships, including CDMOs, academic collaborators, and consultants, to deliver high-quality outcomes aligned with program strategy.
Analyzes experimental data and process trends to build mechanistic understanding, extract key insights, and define forward-looking process strategies.
Contributes to and influences departmental and functional scientificstrategy, including identification and development of new capabilities and technology platforms.
Initiates and leads cross-functional or discipline-focused initiatives to address technical gaps and enable broader organizational impact.
Representsthe function internally and externally through technical leadership in multidisciplinary teams, publications, patents, and participation in scientific conferences.
Maintains and expands personal scientificexpertiseand externalnetworkto ensure continued innovation and thought leadership within Process Chemistry.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
Education and Experience:
Required:
Bachelorsdegree and 15+ years relevant industry experience
Mastersdegree; 13+ years relevant industry experience
PhD; 7+ years relevant industry experience
Extensive experience in CMC pharmaceutical development for active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug products under cGMP’s
Demonstrated deep technicalexpertisein synthetic molecule process chemistry and late-stage process development.
Proven record of significant technical contributions and scientific leadership within pharmaceutical development.
Experience working in multidisciplinary, cross-functional environments, with accountability for influencingprogram, departmental, or functional strategy.
Strong understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and their application to process development and manufacturing
Knowledge and Skills:
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills – Applies advanced scientific reasoning to diagnose complex technical issues, assess risk, and develop effective, data-driven solutions under conditions of uncertainty.
Technical Expertise – Recognized specialist in one or more areas of process chemistry, with ability to apply deep mechanistic understanding to solve complex synthetic and process challenges.
Cross-Functional Collaboration – Effectively partners across global, multidisciplinary teams to integrate diverse perspectives and drive successful program outcomes.
Communication Skills – Communicates complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely to a range of audiences, including senior leadership; produces high-quality technical documentation suitable for internal and external use.
Leadership and Influence – Provides technical leadership and uses strong interpersonal skills to influence scientific direction, guide teams, and align stakeholders toward sharedobjectives.
Knowledge Sharing and Capability Building – Actively captures anddisseminatesknowledge, contributing to improved processes, scientific standards, and organizational learning.
External Engagement – Demonstrates active involvement in the scientific community through presentations, publications, and engagement with external partners;maintainsawareness of emerging trends and technologies.
Organization and Execution – Effectively prioritizes and manages multiple scientific and programobjectives, ensuring alignment with project timelines and organizational goals.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
May requireapproximately15-20% travel.
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, MAU.S. Base Salary Range:
$154,400.00 - $242,550.00
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
Cambridge, MAWorker Type
EmployeeWorker Sub-Type
RegularTime Type
Full timeJob Exempt
YesIt 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.
