Director, Research Data and Digital Insights Innovation

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Job Description

Overview

We are seeking a director-level leader who can operate at the intersection of pharmaceutical business strategy and hands-on software delivery. This technical role is responsible for directly interfacing with business and scientific leadership to translate complex business, scientific, and operational needs into functional, full-stack prototypes—often within days, not months.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable whiteboarding with senior leaders, coding a production-quality prototype independently, and iterating in real time based on feedback.

Key Responsibilities

·

Executive Engagement

o Serve as the primary technical and product interface for pharmaceutical leaders.

o Rapidly understand high-level strategic or R&D challenges and translate them into concrete product concepts.

o Facilitate executive working sessions, demos, and reviews with credibility and clarity.

o Partner with DDT colleagues to translate concepts and prototypes into products, enabling the creation of an integrated insights ecosystem.

·

Rapid Full-Stack Prototyping

o Design, build, and deliver functional end-to-end prototypes in days, not weeks.

o Personally write production-quality code across the stack (frontend, backend, APIs, data), ensuring translatability and path to production with DDT partners.

o Make pragmatic architecture and technology recommendation optimized for speed, clarity, and learning.

·

Technical Leadership

o Set standards for rapid experimentation, code quality, and prototype reusability.

o Mentor engineers and product teams on rapid delivery techniques and executive-level communication.

o Evaluate when prototypes should evolve into scaled products versus remain exploratory.

·

Product & Innovation Execution

o Partner with product, design, data science, and engineering teams to move from concept to validated solution.

o Incorporate user feedback, regulatory constraints, and pharma-specific requirements into designs.

o Drive a culture of experimentation, accountability, and measurable impact.

Required Qualifications

· 10+ years of experience in software engineering, product engineering, or technical leadership roles.

· Proven ability to personally code and deliver full-stack applications (this role is not hands-off).

· Strong experience with modern full-stack technologies (e.g., React, TypeScript, Python/Node/Java, APIs, cloud platforms).

· Demonstrated success working directly with senior leaders and non-technical stakeholders.

· Ability to move from vague problem statements to working software extremely quickly.

· Excellent communication skills—able to explain complex technical concepts in clear, executive-friendly language.

· Experience operating in highly regulated or complex domains (pharma, healthcare, life sciences preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

· Direct experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare, or life sciences organizations.

· Familiarity with R&D workflows.

· Experience building prototypes that leverage data, AI/ML, or advanced analytics.

· Background in consulting, innovation labs, or high-growth environments where speed is critical.

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:

Boston, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$174,500.00 - $274,230.00

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-term incentives. 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

Boston, 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.