Director Process & Capabilities Lead – Small Molecule 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 – Small Molecule 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.

Takeda is transforming the future of small molecule research. We are seeking a visionary and results-driven leader to serve as Process & Capabilities Lead – Small Molecule 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 our small molecule research. 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 small molecule discovery platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Digital Transformation:
  • Spearhead the end-to-end redesign of small molecule discovery processes in a “closed loop”, AI/digitally enabled and automated future-state model
  • Drive process modernization initiatives that include the integration of automation, predictive modeling, generative chemistry, large-scale data analysis, and digital assay platforms.
• Collaborative Process Redesign:
  • 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.
  • Serve as a trusted change partner to the chemistry and in vitro pharmacology communities, fostering a digital-first mindset across research teams.
• Operational Excellence & Execution:
  • Redesign end-to-end small molecule 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 dry lab and platform teams to ensure integrated, scalable solutions that enhance the digital capability across the discovery spectrum.
  • Advocate for digital best practices and operational excellence across the organization in alignment with Takeda’s transformation agenda.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery with a strong foundation in small molecule discovery, medicinal chemistry, or closely related fields.
• Proven leadership and experience in scientific workflow design and process optimization, particularly within AI/digital and lab automation initiatives.
• Track record in driving large-scale transformations and visionary changes.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams including science, digital, IT, and operational stakeholders in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
• Advanced proficiency with lab digital tools (e.g., EL