Drug Discovery Lead, Biologics

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Job Description

The Drug Discovery Lead, Biologics is a strategic leader and member of the scientific research team in the discovery and development of innovative therapeutic compounds. The DDL is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the drug discovery process, from target identification to preclinical development. This role’s global strategic leadership, scientific expertise, and business acumen is instrumental in driving the success of drug discovery programs.

Position Description:

• Drive the strategic evolution, direction, and leadership for the drug discovery team, ensuring alignment with the company's goals and objectives that deliver game-changing, highly differentiated, therapeutic opportunities for patients;
• Lead and manage multiple drug discovery projects, oversee the entire drug development process from target identification to preclinical development;
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, and external partners, to develop and execute drug discovery strategies;
• Drive the identification and validation of novel drug targets through the application of cutting-edge technologies and scientific approaches;
• Foster a culture of innovation and scientific excellence within the drug discovery team, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning;
• Evaluate and prioritize potential drug candidates based on scientific, medical, and commercial considerations;
• Oversee the design and execution of experiments, data analysis, and interpretation to guide decision-making and optimize drug discovery efforts;
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in drug discovery, emerging technologies, and industry trends, and apply this knowledge to enhance drug discovery strategies;
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners;
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering their professional growth and development;
• Represent the company externally and plays a key role in evaluating external opportunities (e.g. serve on critical pipeline-enabling partnerships;
• Be an effective ambassador for the company global business development brand to ensure the company is perceived as a “Partner of Choice” with outside organizations, companies, etc.;
• Create BD opportunities that meet the strategic scientific, therapeutic and commercial needs of the organization or specific Therapeutic Area (TA);
• Work with the CEI Therapeutic Area Leads and other key functions outside of business development, help design and implement processes for opportunity assessment and due diligence to ensure competitive superiority;
• Establish and maintain a broad network of relationships internally and external to the company; liaise effectively with other individuals in global business development and leverage the company organization at large (scientists, clinicians, commercial managers in oncology and other therapeutic areas) to ensure maximal sourcing capability for the assigned area;
• Effectively motivate and retain top talent and, where needed, build new expert teams;
• Is recognized as an international subject matter expert and identified as a global company thought leader.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in health or life sciences (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M.) with 15 years’ industry and 15 years management experience;
• Extensive experience in leading drug discovery teams and managing drug development projects, preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting;
• Extensive experience leading multiple assets from preclinical into development;
• Proven track record of successful drug discovery programs, including the identification and optimization of lead compounds;
• Deep understanding of the drug discovery process, including target identification, hit-to-lead optimization, and preclinical development;
• Strong knowledge of various drug discovery techniques, such as high-throughput screening, molecular modeling, and structure-activity relationship analysis;
• Excellent leadership and strategic planning skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams towards achieving ambitious goals;
• Strong business acumen and understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, including regulatory requirements and commercial considerations;
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences;
• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on data-driven approaches.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in leading drug discovery programs targeting specific therapeutic areas;
• Knowledge of drug development regulations and processes, including IND and NDA submissions;
• Demonstrated success in building and managing strategic partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry collaborators.

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.

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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.

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