Research Senior Scientist

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’s Privacy Notice and 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: 

You will report to the Director, Target Validation Sciences and play a leading role within the Assay Hub team responsible for generating human disease-relevant evidence that drives target validation and portfolio decisions across therapeutic areas. You will design and implement innovative experimental strategies using advanced disease model platforms, including organoids, microphysiological systems, and organ-on-chip technologies, to address complex biological questions. Working across therapeutic area, automation, computational, and data science teams, you will provide scientific leadership, identify and implement novel approaches, and influence research decisions through the generation and integration of high-quality mechanistic data.

Accountabilities: 

• Lead the design and implementation of innovative target validation strategies using advanced human disease-relevant model systems, including organoids, microphysiological systems, and organ-on-chip platforms.
• Identify, develop, and champion novel assay technologies and experimental approaches that address critical target validation challenges across therapeutic areas.
• Independently lead complex scientific programs and integrate diverse biological datasets to generate mechanistic insights and support portfolio decisions.
• Serve as a scientific expert in advanced disease modeling and provide strategic guidance to multidisciplinary project teams.
• Drive assay standardization, platform evolution, technology transfer, and automation-readiness in partnership with engineering and automation teams.
• Collaborate with Computational Sciences and Data Science teams to establish advanced analytical approaches that enhance data interpretation and decision making.
• Influence target evaluation, experimental prioritization, and scientific direction through effective communication of complex datasets and mechanistic findings.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical leadership within matrixed project teams.
• Identify emerging technologies, NAMs methodologies, and AI-enabled scientific approaches that can advance the capabilities of the Assay Hub and Target Validation Sciences organization.
• Represent the function through publications, presentations, scientific collaborations, and external engagements when appropriate

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral

Education:

• Expected: PhD degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline with 2+ years of postdoctoral and/or relevant industry experience; or 
• MS with 8+ years experience, or 
• BS with 10+ years experience.

Compentencies:

• Technical / Functional Expertise
• Recognized scientific resource in disease biology, target validation, and advanced disease-relevant model systems, including organoids, microphysiological systems, and organ-on-chip technologies.
• Demonstrates expertise in leading experimental strategies, assay innovation, and interpretation of complex biological datasets to support research decisions.
• Applies deep understanding of assay robustness, scalability, automation-readiness, and translational relevance. 
• Leadership
• Leads novel scientific programs and experimental strategies that address complex target validation challenges and influence portfolio decisions. 
• Provides technical leadership and mentorship within multidisciplinary and matrixed project teams. 
• Drives adoption of innovative technologies and approaches that enhance Assay Hub and Target Validation Sciences capabilities.
• Decision-Making & Autonomy
• Operates with a high degree of scientific independence and accountability for experimental strategy and project outcomes.
• Interprets complex multidisciplinary datasets and provides recommendations that influence scientific direction and business decisions.
• Contributes to functional objective setting, prioritization, and strategic planning. 
• Interaction
• Acts as a scientific partner and subject matter expert across therapeutic area, automation, engineering, computational sciences, and data science teams.
• Influences decision-making through clear communication of complex scientific findings and recommendations.
• Participates in external collaborations, scientific publications, and presentations where appropriate. 
• Innovation
• Identifies, evaluates, and implements emerging technologies, NAMs approaches, and advanced analytical methods to expand organizational capabilities.
• Leads development of next-generation target validation assays and platform innovations.
• Champions continuous improvement in scientific rigor, reproducibility, automation integration, and data-driven decision-making.

Preferred qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience leading target validation and translational research programs in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting.
• Experience driving assay scalability, automation integration, and platform standardization efforts.
• Experience integrating biological, computational, and AI-enabled approaches to support scientific decision-making.
• Experience mentoring scientists, leading matrixed teams, or evaluating emerging technologies and NAMs approaches.

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:

$137,000.00 - $215,270.00

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.