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Principal Scientist/Associate Scientist, Process Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science

Fujisawa, Kanagawa
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  • Job Type: Full Time
  • 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 R0143320 Date posted 01/28/2025 Location Fujisawa, Kanagawa

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Job Description

”Better Health for People, Brighter Future for the World” is the purpose of a company. We aim to create a diverse and inclusive organization where people can thrive, grow and realize their own potential while enabling our purpose. We continue to innovate and drive changes that will transform the lives of patients. We’re looking for like-minded professionals to join us.

Takeda is a global values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader. We are guided by our values of Takeda-ism, which has been passed down since the company’s founding. Takeda-ism incorporates Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance, with Integrity at the core. They are brought to life through actions based on Patient-Trust-Reputation-Business, in this order.

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

How you will contribute:

The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of reaction & particle engineering including the development of scale down models for the study of unit operations as well as technical transfer to external contract manufacturing organizations. He/ she 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 Senior Engineer will have experience building scale-down equipment and developing innovative advanced process control strategies for both batch and continuous processes.

He/ she 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 and drive technical/scientific strategy. The Senior Engineer will be responsible for benchmarking current trends in research, development and manufacturing technologies, developing initiating and/or participating at a high level in projects that involve extraordinary, well-considered risks along with scientific/technical challenges, as well as directing and managing outsourcing across a product platform, as appropriate.  

Accountabilities:

  • Develops project or significant technical strategy and leverages technical skill(s) as a resource/expert within the department
  • Contributes significantly and independently to project work which may include multiple projects within functional area.
  • Plans and implements resolutions to technical problems/issues
  • Independently designs and executes experiments, and reports results
  • Recommends, justifies and implements technologies and innovations.
  • Owns a discipline/technical skill in its entirety and continues to develop expertise in other key technical skills. 
  • Influences and supports initiatives related to driving scientific and technical improvement within function and potentially cross-functionally.
  • Reviews, interprets and communicates data cross functionally within pharmaceutical sciences and project teams
  • Conducts analysis of technical and conceptual risk and trends
  • Identifies process trends and defines/champions process strategy or use of novel technologies
  • Recognized as a technical expert and resource within function 
  • Significant technical responsibility for a project area/technical program within the department and potentially across Pharmaceutical sciences
  • Identifies topics for initiatives and leads local/global initiatives on behalf of senior staff.
  • Defines appropriately complex/novel approaches and methodologies to solving outstanding technical challenges 
  • Coordinates and leads technology transfer to internal or external manufacturing sites
  • Responsible for authoring relevant sections of regulatory documents, validation plans, reports and peer reviewed manuscripts.
  • Proactively identifies vendors and builds relationships to gain access to technologies as needed to deliver on pipeline goals.
  • Manages key vendor relationships across multiple projects as appropriate, and proactively affects resolution of issues arising at vendors.   
  • Represents Takeda and is an active member on pre-competitive collaborations with academic and industrial partners.

Education and Experience:

  • A Ph.D. degree with 3+ years of academic, post-doctoral or pharmaceutical industry experience; an MS degree with 9+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience; or a BS degree with 11+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience. Degrees in chemical engineering required.
  • Experience in the use of mathematical, both statistical and first principle, models as well as advanced process control systems preferred
  • Experience in building reaction kinetic models as well as process models preferred.
  • Experience in building laboratory and pilot plant equipment a plus
  • Experience in crystallization process development and scale-up with an emphasis on form, 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 a plus
  • 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) preferred
  • Experience working in a pilot plant a plus
  • Previous experience with the use of contract facilities and managing technical transfers a plus
  • Experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team environment
  • Proven scientific track record through presentations at scientific conferences and publication of pier reviewed manuscripts

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Analytical and Problem Solving Skills - Able to troubleshoot critical issues or problems using appropriate information and, determine causes and possible solutions
  • Teamwork -- Ability to work well on global cross-functional teams.
  • Communication Skills -Able to expresses one’s self clearly and concisely within team; documents issues and/or concerns concisely with colleagues; adjusts communication style as appropriate for the audience; timely and effectively communicates with  senior management; technical writing skills to support authorship and approval of internal technical documents
  • Organization – Exercises good time management and prioritization skills to balance multiple project and departmental objectives
  • Technical - Subject matter expertise in a specific scientific area or areas.
  • Knowledge Sharing - 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
  • Resource Management -Project management skills; ability to manage one’s time within individual, departmental
  • External Involvement – Demonstrated involvement in professional community evidenced by presentation of scientific posters or lectures at professional conferences or events. Interacts with external vendors for projects
  • Leadership Skills – Develops and uses knowledge and interpersonal skills to appropriately influence and guide others towards the accomplishment of department/function goals and objectives.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary:

  • Allowances: Commutation, Housing, Overtime Work etc.

  • Salary Increase: Annually, Bonus Payment: Twice a year

  • Working Hours: Headquarters (Osaka/ Tokyo) 9:00-17:30, Production Sites (Osaka/ Yamaguchi) 8:00-16:45, (Narita) 8:30-17:15, Research Site (Kanagawa) 9:00-17:45

  • Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, May Day, Year-End Holidays etc. (approx. 123 days in a year)

  • Paid Leaves: Annual Paid Leave, Special Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Family Support Leave, Maternity Leave, Childcare Leave, Family Nursing Leave.

  • Flexible Work Styles: Flextime, Telework

  • Benefits: Social Insurance, Retirement and Corporate Pension, Employee Stock Ownership Program, etc.

Important Notice concerning working conditions:

  • It is possible the job scope may change at the company’s discretion.

  • It is possible the department and workplace may change at the company’s discretion.

Locations

Fujisawa, Japan

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time
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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

The heart of our work

Shining a light on new perspectives

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

Fujisawa, Kanagawa


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