Skip to main content
Job Posting

Research Enablement Lead, Director

Fujisawa, Kanagawa
Apply Now
  • 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 R0145192 Date posted 03/04/2025 Location Fujisawa, Kanagawa

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

Objective / Purpose:

The Research Strategy and Operations function is responsible for integrating scientific acumen with business analytics and processes to deliver clear business plans, operational excellence and portfolio progression for the Takeda Research pipeline.

The Research Enablement Lead, Director supports a specific drug discovery unit (DDUs) or platform group in the delivery of critical Research priorities, serving as the sub-functions de facto Chief of Staff. Reporting to the Head, Japan Enablement Leads, the Lead plays a crucial role in the strategic planning, execution, and optimization of functional projects. They are responsible for driving operational efficiency, fostering collaboration among cross-functional teams, and ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality research outcomes.

Accountabilities:

  • Partners closely with Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) and Platform senior leadership to coordinate and prioritize activities, ensuring efficient use of resources, and monitoring progress towards goals and milestones.

  • Provides strategic and operational support to Research leaders including change and project management, ensuring functional alignment to Research priorities.

  • Supports DDU and Platform senior leadership in managing and allocating resources effectively, including personnel, equipment, and budget, to support functional activities and optimize productivity.

  • Proactively identifies areas for process improvement within functional operations, escalating to Operations leadership when necessary.

  • Facilitates collaboration and communication among different teams and stakeholders, fostering a cooperative work environment.

  • Facilitates connections between Research Functions and Research Strategy & Operations experts to ensure aligned enterprise solutions.

  • Engages with internal and external stakeholders, such as researchers, collaborators, and functional leadership, to understand and address needs in alignment with Research priorities

  • Ensures smooth cross-functional liaisons with critical functions such as Legal, Finance, Sourcing, HR, and scientific teams to facilitate project success.

  • Facilitates navigation of organizational processes and procedures, rapidly addresses/escalate bottlenecks or issues

  • Identifies potential risks and challenges that may impact functional operations, proactively addressing issues to minimize disruptions.

  • Identifies and develops programs to meet research staff training requirements in alignment with Research priorities.

  • Fosters a culture of continuous improvement by implementing best practices, developing standardized processes, and promoting knowledge sharing across the organization.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

  • Expected 12+ years related experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with expertise in drug discovery and Takeda therapeutic areas, experience in Small Molecule Chemistry is preferred. 

  • Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels

  • Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously

  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams

  • Strong knowledge of drug discovery and development processes, including preclinical and clinical research

  • Strategic mindset and the ability to think critically and creatively to drive innovation and business growth

  • Strong knowledge of business operations planning, change management, analytics, and reporting

  • Advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) in a scientific discipline preferred

What Takeda can offer you:

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) 8:45-5:15, 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

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
Apply Now

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.

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


View Map of Fujisawa, Kanagawa