Director Process & Capabilities Lead – ADME Automation and Digital Research

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Job Description

Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company that will inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as a Director Process & Capabilities Lead – ADME Automation and Digital Research in our Cambridge office.

At Takeda, we are transforming the pharmaceutical industry through our R&D-driven market leadership and being a values-led company. To do this, we empower our people to realize their potential through life-changing work. Certified as a Global Top Employer, we offer stimulating careers, encourage innovation, and strive for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our global teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.

Here, you will be a vital contributor to our inspiring, bold mission.

Position Overview
Takeda is transforming the future of drug discovery. We are seeking a visionary and results-driven leader to serve as Process & Capabilities Lead – ADME Automation and Digital Research. This role is a critical component of our Digital Research Transformation program and is responsible for redefining, automating, and digitalizing discovery workflows in ADME. The successful candidate will harness innovation and utilize their experience and expertise to reimagine workflows, integrate automation and AI/ML solutions, and embed best practices across our ADME platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Transformation Leadership:
  • Spearhead the end-to-end redesign of discovery processes to include automated ADME testing and AI-enabled prediction of endpoints.
  • Drive process modernization initiatives that encompass the integration of automation, high-throughput screening techniques, advanced predictive models, and machine learning-based analysis.
• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Partnership:
  • Partner closely with scientific and computational teams, IT, Digital, external partners, and Automation experts to ensure seamless execution and integration of new technologies and processes.
  • Act as the trusted change leader and primary point of contact for lab teams, fostering a culture aimed at innovation and continuous improvement in ADME settings.
• Operational Excellence & Execution:
  • Redesign end-to-end ADME discovery workflows, focusing on automation and AI-enablement opportunities.
  • Develop, implement, and track robust KPIs related to workflow efficiency, data accessibility, process cycle improvements, and user adoption.
• Innovation & Capability Building:
  • Collaborate with both experimental and platform teams to ensure integrated, scalable solutions that advance digital capability across the ADME discovery spectrum.
  • Advocate for digital best practices and operational excellence across the organization in alignment with Takeda’s transformation agenda.
  • Help build Takeda’s expertise in next generation techniques including AI / ML model development and deployment, miniaturized high-throughput ADME screens, and real-time PK simulation.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical drug discovery process, with a focus on ADME studies.
• Proven leadership and experience in scientific workflow design and process optimization, particularly within automation, digital integration, and AI/ML solution implementation in ADME environments.
• Track record in driving large-scale transformations and visionary changes.
• Comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in