Job Posting

Principal Scientist, Target Validation Sciences (Oncology), Research

Fujisawa, Kanagawa

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Job Type: Full Time
Job Level: Senior
Travel: Minimal (if any)

At Takeda, we strive to provide transformational opportunities for every member of our team, and we empower our people to take charge of their futures. In an environment that fosters lifelong learning and a growth mindset, you’ll have the support you need to thrive — at work and beyond.

Job ID R0153314 Date posted 05/28/2025 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.

The purpose of the Target Validation Sciences (TVS) is to drive pipeline value creation and acceleration by collaborating closely with Drug Discovery Units (DDUs) and other platform functions. It focuses on validating innovative drug targets using cutting-edge biological platforms that reflect relevant human biology.

Primarily drive early drug discovery projects by designing and conducting experiments, developing complex assays, and providing strategic input to advance innovation in oncology research.
Lead lab-related activities, mentor junior scientists, and establish strong relationships with internal and external partners to achieve project goals and enhance productivity.
Stay at the forefront of scientific advancements, generate new ideas, and contribute to decision-making processes to support the discovery of novel therapies and expand the global Takeda Oncology pipeline.
Integrate advanced technologies, deliver comprehensive reports, and actively contribute to the growth and development of the team and organization.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Play a central role in designing and conducting critical experiments for target validation for oncology, cross-functionally working with Oncology DDU and other teams across Japan and US
Independently develop and validate relevant complex assays for drug discovery and target validation with minimal supervision
Contribute to strategic input and participate in decision-making processes in drug discovery projects, identifying opportunities to advance global Takeda Oncology pipeline
Constantly propose new ideas to drive projects forward, ensuring high scientific standards and innovation
Maintain a high level of expertise by staying updated on current scientific advancements and emerging technologies
Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external partners, enhancing collaboration and scientific impact
Prepare and present written reports of work to communicate findings and progress effectively
Mentor and develop junior staff members, fostering an environment of growth and scientific excellence
May participate in the evaluation of external collaboration opportunities

REQUIREMENTS:

Ph.D. or M.Sc. in a relevant scientific field such as cell biology, molecular biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, or a related discipline. Expertise in neuroscience is required.
Expertise in oncology and cancer biology.
Experience in gene modification experiments, including cell culture, viral transaction, and in vitro/in vivo modelling.
Experience in single-cell and spatial multi-omics is preferred.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Understanding of data management and analysis.
Effective work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment.
Communication skills in both English and Japanese, organizational skills, and team collaboration.
Familiarity with bioinformatics and proficient use of scientific databases is a plus.

Click here to find out Takeda’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Better Health, Brighter Future

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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Where you fit in

Our team at Takeda is tackling some of the most challenging problems in drug discovery and development. As the newest member of our Research team, you’ll conduct purposeful, meaningful work on groundbreaking modalities that may lead to breakthrough drugs.

With our deep investment in next-generation technologies, you’ll have the resources and support to do your best work. As a part of our team, you’ll connect with brilliant minds inside and outside of Takeda. We are committed to collaborating with academia and emerging biotech companies to expand our reach and impact in cell therapy, gene therapy and data sciences.

Our team’s wide-ranging expertise includes medicinal chemistry, genomics datasets, immunofluorescence, high content imaging, flow cytometry, transcriptional profiling, multi-step synthesis, multimodal genetics, pharmacokinetics and much more. Whatever area inspires you, your work will support the progression of an innovative, industry-leading discovery pipeline and make an impact that matters to patients and society.

A career in Research at Takeda will give you everything you need to succeed professionally — and make a difference to patients, people and the planet.

Design and carry out experiments
Manage multiple projects
Document data
Mentor other scientists

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 - Head of Biotherapeutics Process Development

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.