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Job Description

About the role:

At Takeda, we are a forward-looking, world-class R&D organization that unlocks innovation and delivers transformative therapies to patients. By focusing R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide.

Join Takeda as a Director, Immunotherapy/ Immuno-Oncology, In Vitro Pharmacology where you will play a major role in the discovery of novel biologics, contributing to the strategic direction of our immunotherapy/ immune-oncology research programs.

As part of the In Vitro Pharmacology team, you will report to the Head of the team and work with the Global Biologics organization.

How you will contribute:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the Immunotherapy and Immuno-oncology in vitro pharmacology team, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives. Develop and implement innovative strategies to support the discovery and development of novel therapies.
• Oversee the strategy for biological evaluation and candidate selection of novel Immunotherapy/Immuno-oncology therapeutics.
• Lead a team responsible for the design, development and execution of state-of-the-art in vitro pharmacology assays to evaluate the biological activity, potency, selectivity and mechanism of action, utilizing cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.
• Develop and implement innovative technologies to elevate our in vitro pharmacology capabilities and throughput to enhance translation and increase quality and efficiency.  Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and industry trends.
• Lead the Immunotherapy and Immuno-oncology biologics discovery programs with cross-functional teams, driving the programs from lead ID to preclinical development.
• Build strong internal and external collaborations, foster alignment with our key stakeholders. Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary research teams in a matrix format, to advance discovery programs.
• Mentor and develop junior scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• PhD degree in immunology, cancer biology, or a related scientific discipline with 10+ years’ experience, or MS with 16+ years’ experience, or BS with 18+ years’ experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Immunotherapy/immuno-oncology research, with a focus on immune cell biology, immune checkpoints, and tumor-immune interactions.
• Minimum of 7 years of management and team leadership experience.
• Expertise in drug discovery and development processes, including hit identification, lead optimization, candidate selection, and preclinical development.
• Proven track record of leading successful in vitro pharmacology efforts in the field of immunotherapy/immuno-oncology, including assay development and validation, candidates screening, and mechanism of action studies.
• Strong technical proficiency in a wide range of in vitro pharmacology techniques and assay formats.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead a team and projects and collaborate effectively across disciplines, demonstrate enterprise leadership with an ability to influence without authority.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and guidelines for drug discovery and development

More about us:

At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty phar