Global Therapeutic Research Lead, Oncology

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Job Description

Global Therapeutic Research Lead, Oncology

Are you a biotech or pharma executive ready to shape the future of oncology drug discovery? Join Takeda’s ODDU Leadership Team to drive AI-powered innovation and deliver transformative medicines to patients worldwide. As a member of the Oncology Drug Discovery Unit (ODDU) Leadership Team, you will set the vision for next-generation oncology discovery, lead high-impact project teams, and represent Takeda at the highest levels—internally and externally.. You will champion the integration of AI/ML-driven approaches and future-forward ways of working, ensuring ODDU remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and patient impact. 

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities 

• Leveraging a proven track record of leading discovery programs to clinic, the Global Therapeutic Research Lead (GTRL) is a pipeline critical strategic leader responsible for driving Research’s most promising projects to the clinic, taking responsibility for the asset strategy and serving as the cross-functional team leader.

• As a member of the ODDU Leadership Team, this leader will help guide and execute the vision and strategy for the ODDU, leveraging AI/ML and digital innovation to accelerate discovery and development. 

• As a key ‘drug hunter’ talent in Takeda Research, this leader will take on key mentoring roles, including helping to develop the next generation of project team leaders.  This leader will also play a visible role in global Research initiatives.  

• Driven by a passion for making a difference for patients, this leader will play a critical role in accelerating transformative drug discovery to deliver life-changing therapies to patients with rigor and urgency.

• Serve as a visible leader and ambassador for Takeda, representing the organization with external partners, at scientific conferences, and in industry forums. 

Who You Are 

• Visionary leader with a track record as an experienced ‘drug hunter’ in biotech or large pharma. 

• Ph.D. or equivalent in life sciences; 15+ years of experience in drug discovery and preclinical development. 

• Proven ability to advance programs from discovery to IND and beyond, with major contributions to at least 3 INDs. 

• Deep expertise in oncology and broad experience across multiple therapeutic areas. 

• Recognized for building high-performing teams, driving innovation, and delivering results in complex, matrixed environments. 

• Passionate about emerging technologies and AI/ML-driven drug discovery. 

• Outstanding communicator and external influencer. 

Program & Portfolio Leadership 

• Oversee drug discovery and development programs across building a connected view of the project disease area strategy and treatment paradigm and can represent all core expertise at depth and align with stakeholders and sponsors across the organization including Research, Clinical Development and Commercial stakeholders and executive level governance committees.  

• Advance promising molecules—engineered by AI/ML-driven platforms—through development candidate stage gates, lead IND-enabling activities, and partner with clinical organizations to deliver differentiated therapeutics into the clinic. 

• G-RTLs are responsible for creating the medicine vision, early asset strategy and managing multiple external partnerships that accelerate delivery of the project in partnership with a Gl