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Job Description
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 three therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide.
Objective / Purpose:
The Senior Scientist will play a pivotal role in Takeda’s “Lab of the Future” initiative, driving the design, miniaturization, and execution of robust bioanalytical assays on fully automated, integrated platforms. Leveraging advanced automation systems and statistical analysis, this individual will ensure high-throughput, reproducible, and high-quality data generation to support iterative AI-integrated Design–Make–Test–Analyze (DMTA) cycles for both small- and large-molecule discovery. The Senior Scientist will partner closely with DMPK, medicinal chemistry, data sciences, and automation engineering to translate complex bioanalytical data into actionable insights that accelerate portfolio progression and enable data-driven decision-making. This role contributes to critical function delivery as follows:
- Accelerates Discovery through Automation and AI-Integrated DMTA: Designs and executes bioanalytical assays in 384- and 1,536-well formats on fully automated, robotic platforms with integrated workflows, enabling rapid, high-throughput testing and iterative optimization.
- Ensures Data Quality and Scientific Rigor: Applies statistical methodologies to evaluate assay performance (e.g., Z’ factor, variability metrics, curve-fit confidence) and maintains reproducibility and reliability of decision-enabling datasets.
- Drives Cross-Functional Impact: Partners with DMPK, medicinal chemistry, and data science teams to interpret bioanalytical data in the context of SAR, disease biology, and mechanism-of-action, informing compound progression and portfolio decisions.
Accountabilities:
Advance Automated Bioanalytical Lead Profiling
- Design, develop, optimize, and validate bioanalytical assays supporting hit identification, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization programs for small and large molecules.
- Drive assay miniaturization to 384- and 1,536-well formats, ensuring robustness, reproducibility, and biological relevance.
- Implement statistically rigorous assay performance standards (e.g., Z’ factor, signal-to-background, CV, curve-fit quality metrics) to ensure data integrity and confidence in decision-making.
Enable Efficient DMTA Cycles
- Execute DMTA lead profiling assays, ensuring reliable, timely delivery of high-quality MS data across small- and large-molecule modalities.
- Adapt and translate bioanalytical assays to high-throughput MS platforms (e.g., Acoustic MS, RapidFire MS, MALD-MS or other).
- Continuously improve workflows to shorten cycle times and increase throughput while maintaining quality.
Operate Within Fully Integrated, Automated Systems
- Develop and execute assays on fully automated robotic platforms, including liquid handling systems, acoustic dispensing, and multimode detection technologies.
- Partner with automation engineers to design scalable, modular workflows aligned with Lab of the Future principles.
- Contribute to seamless integration of instrumentation with LIMS/ELN systems, scheduling software, and digital data pipelines to enable end-to-end automation.
Ensure Data Excellence & AI-Readiness
- Apply advanced statistical analysis and visualization tools to assess assay robustness, variability, and data quality.
- Ensure datasets are standardized, curated, and appropriately annotated to support AI/ML-driven analytics and cross-program insights.
- Contribute to data governance practices that promote longitudinal learning across Takeda’s discovery portfolio.
Collaborate Across Takeda
- Partner closely with DMPK, medicinal chemistry, data sciences, and translational sciences to advance program objectives.
- Communicate findings clearly in cross-functional forums and contribute to scientific discussions that shape portfolio decisions.
- Uphold Takeda’s values of Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance in all scientific and operational activities.
Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):
- Expected: Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline with at least 2+ years of industry experience; OR M.S. with 8+ years; OR B.S. with 10+ years of relevant experience with pharmaceutical or biotech R&D.
- Deep hands-on expertise in high-throughput MS (e.g., acoustic MS, RapidFire MS, MALDI-MS or other platforms), with a track rec