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Head of Global Scientific Communications and Medical Information

Cambridge, Massachusetts
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  • Job Level: Senior
  • Travel: Minimal (if any)

Takeda has been translating science into breakthrough medicines for 240 years. Every step of the way, our teams have worked together to tackle some of the most challenging problems in drug discovery and development. Today, we’re a driving force behind innovative therapies that make a lasting difference to millions of patients around the world.

In R&D, all of our history and potential comes together in an environment that welcomes diversity of thought and amplifies every voice. Working closely with colleagues, you’ll play a key role in bringing our rich pipeline of products forward to help patients. Come join a team that’s earned trust for more than two centuries, and find out how advancing transformative therapies at Takeda will shape your bright future.

Job ID R0157913 Date posted 07/14/2025 Location Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Job Description

Position Overview:

The role of Head, Global Medical Information & Scientific Communications is a senior leadership position within the Global Portfolio Division reporting to the Chief Medical Officer.  The incumbent is a critical member of the Global Medical Leadership Team (GMLT) in contributing, defining, and shaping the overall strategy and tactics of the GM organization as well as providing significant line management responsibilities and oversight for medical function activities within scientific communications and medical information. The primary objective of this role is to drive excellence and support the medical strategy teams by providing specialist knowledge and capabilities to support the disease areas strategy.  This individual will engage with cross-functional partners including research, medical, commercial brand teams, alliance and strategic partners, and advance digital innovation and data analytics in medical affairs.  Under the direction of this role, the teams will ensure the timely dissemination of accurate and scientifically rigorous medical information and enhance the overall and expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

Leading a global team of around 70 employees in the US, Switzerland, and Singapore, responsibilities include:

  • Strategy Development and Leadership:

    • Provide strategic leadership and guidance to cross functional stakeholders, regions, and countries, in the development of services to further advance the organizations mission, vision, scientific objectives and business goals

    • Collaborate with senior leaders to help integrate medical affairs into the overall ways of working

    • Develop and update appropriate SOPs and ensure compliance with relevant industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging scientific advancements and standards

  • Scientific Communications Strategy and Management:

    • Lead a combined team of Medical Communications and Publications

    • Ensure adherence to international publication guidelines, ethical considerations, and industry best practices

    • Lead the publication Center of Excellence framework to ensure uniform standards in the execution of the publication plans for the organization in support of the various products.  These standards include review and approval of scientific publications, implementation of a robust publication strategy at the appropriate stage in the lifecycle.

  • Provide strategic oversight and guidance for the development, review, and execution of medical communication plans, congress plans, integrated communications, and other materials.

  • Collaborate with the cross-functional groups to facilitate efficient and aligned representation at scientific conferences, advisory boards, and other scientific forums as required.

  • Lead the team that ensures the development of accurate and compelling scientific information to healthcare professionals, key opinion leaders, and other stakeholders in support of the medical strategy teams.

  • Lead the team that reviews and approves scientific content for promotional and non-promotional materials, ensuring alignment with the organization's medical strategy and compliance with regulations.

  • Medical Information:

  • Provide strategic oversight for the medical information Center of Excellence in the provision of accurate and timely medical information to healthcare professionals, patients, and other stakeholders.

  • Ensure and track the development and maintenance of comprehensive medical information materials, including medical information letters, FAQs, and standard responses.

Required Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in life sciences (PharmD, MD, PhD) or equivalent.

  • 15+ years of experience in medical affairs leadership roles in the biopharmaceutical industry, preferably within a matrix or franchise structure.

  • In-depth understanding of medical publications, scientific communications, and medical information processes.

  • Strong knowledge of regulatory guidelines and compliance requirements relevant to medical affairs activities.

  • Proven leadership and people management skills and the ability to inspire and motivate teams.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

  • Strategic mindset with the ability to think critically and make informed decisions

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies:

  • Demonstrated business acumen

  • Proven track record of fostering open discussion, information exchange, trust, and teamwork across countries, regions, and functions

  • Ability to manage and balance many stakeholders within GM, and across other business units and functions

  • Proven track record of strategic leadership, collaboration, innovation, program oversight and demonstrated ability to manage, lead and mentor individuals. Strong judge of talent with the ability to make tough talent decisions.

  • Demonstrated understanding of legal, compliance, and regulatory guidelines related to the conduct of a variety of types of research trials in the pharmaceutical industry.  Knowledge of pertinent external guidelines related to research and publications, and current standards of practice

  • Experience working in a matrixed environment. Able to lead and motivate large teams and drive initiatives without direct line management authority.

  • Proven track record of leading and driving business process transformation and organizational culture change as well as delivering on programs with complex business deliverables

  • Operational experience in pharmaceutical drug development with significant direct exposure to clinical development

  • Track record of successful leadership, management, and development of large, multi- disciplinary globally dispersed teams.

  • Ability to work in a global environment across diverse cultures

  • Ability to effectively partner with key partners and stakeholders, including: GMLT peers, Finance, Ethics & Compliance, and HR

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English required, other languages a plus)

  • Results orientation and accountability

  • Good analytical skills as applied to medical, scientific, and technical information

  • Unquestioned ethics are a must

Other Job Requirements:

  • Ability to travel up to 25% of time (domestic and international)

  • Some activities may call for early or late meetings and attendances at scientific meetings on holidays and weekends

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:

$281,400.00 - $442,200.00

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

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.
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During my 20-year journey here, I’ve been fully supported by my colleagues, and I can’t say enough about our rich internal talent and the long-standing values that drive our decisions as we work to develop important medicines for the patients we serve.

Doug Coffman - Head, R&D Asset Transition & Integration Office, R&D Regional & Business Operations

When making any type of decision, the first thing we ask is 'how will this impact patients?’ Ultimately, we’re laser focused on the best interests of the patient, and I truly believe we follow through on that.

Meredith Culp - VP, Head of Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Strategy & Operations and Head of Global Development Integration Office

Our culture and shared values make us like a family here at Takeda. It doesn't feel like work when you're doing something you love with people you love, and when your outcome is really fantastic.

Alison Handley, Head, Center for External Innovation

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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.

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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.

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Transform Takeda into the most trusted, data-driven, outcomes-based biopharmaceutical company.

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About our location

Cambridge, Massachusetts


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