Director, Head of DNA-Encoded Library (DEL)

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Job Description

The Head of DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) will provide scientific and strategic leadership for the development and application of DNA-encoded library technologies to accelerate small-molecule discovery. This leader will create Takeda’s DEL strategy and build a team to enable DEL screening in house. They will lead the design and build of DEL libraries, oversee DEL selections and data analysis, and guide cross-functional teams from hit identification through hit-to-lead progression.

The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in on-DNA chemistry, DEL platform development, and collaborative drug discovery, with a demonstrated ability to translate DEL-derived insights into high-quality chemical matter and actionable project decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement internal and external DEL screening strategies aligned with discovery program objectives.
• Build a team to fully execute DEL in house at Takeda.
• Lead the design, synthesis/acquisition, characterization, and quality assessment of DEL libraries.
• Oversee DEL selection campaigns, including target preparation, assay design, controls, and experimental execution.
• Direct DEL data processing, quality control, statistical analysis, and interpretation.
• Evaluate DEL hits and establish prioritization strategies based on potency, selectivity, enrichment, chemical tractability, and developability.
• Lead or coordinate hit identification, hit validation, resynthesis, and confirmation activities.
• Partners with medicinal chemistry, biology, biophysics, structural biology, computational chemistry, DMPK, and project leadership teams to advance DEL-derived hits through hit-to-lead.
• Provide scientific guidance on on-DNA reaction development, DNA-compatible chemistry, building-block selection, and library design.
• Establish platform capabilities, workflows, standards, and best practices for DEL screening and data analysis.
• Present scientific strategy, results, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and project teams.
• Build external collaborations and maintain awareness of emerging DEL technologies, methods, and competitive advances.
• Mentor and develop scientists while fostering a collaborative, innovative, and scientifically rigorous culture.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic and innovative scientific thinker
• Collaborative and inclusive team leader
• Strong cross-functional influencer
• Results-oriented and accountable
• Skilled at translating complex data into clear decisions
• Effective mentor and people developer
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, matrixed environment

Qualifications (Required)

• Expected Requirements:
  • PhD in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochmistry or a related scientific discipline with 10+ years of relevant industry experience in drug discovery, DEL technology, or a closely related field; or
  • MS in a relevant scientific discipline with 16+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in:
  • DEL library design and synthesis
  • On-DNA chemistry and DNA-compatible reaction development
  • DEL selection design and execution
  • DEL data analysis and hit triage
  • Hit identification, validation, and hit-to-lead activities
  • Proven ability to define and execute DEL strategies across multiple discovery programs.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrixed research environment.
  • Strong record of scientific innovation, collaboration, and delivery of high-quality discovery outcomes.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, project leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Accountabilities: Describe the primary duties and responsibilities of the job. Include only the essential functions of the job. Approximately 5 – 10 bulleted task statements should be identified.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement internal and external DEL screening strategies aligned with discovery program object