Logo
Takeda Pharmaceutical

Director of Cell Therapy, In Vitro Pharmacology

Takeda Pharmaceutical, Boston, MA, United States


By clicking the "Apply" button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda's Privacy Notice and Terms of Use . I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.

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 in order to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide.

Join Takeda as a Director of Cell Therapy where you will lead a team responsible for designing and implementing in vitro pharmacological assays, using state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies, leading the discovery of novel Cell Therapy products, and contributing to the strategic direction of our Cell Therapy research programs. As part of the Vitro Pharmacology team, you will report to the Head of the team and be a highly skilled and experienced leader.

How you will contribute:
  • Strategic Leadership: Provide strategic direction and leadership for the Cell Therapy 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.
  • Functional Leadership: Lead the design, development, optimization, and execution of high-quality in vitro pharmacology assays to evaluate the activity, mechanism of action, and efficacy of Cell Therapy products. Use cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to assess immune cell function and tumor-immune interactions. Develop and implement strategies to enhance the in vitro pharmacology capabilities and throughput. Stay up to date with the latest scientific advancements and industry trends.
  • Program Leadership: Lead the Cell Therapy discovery programs with cross-functional teams, driving the programs from lead ID to preclinical development.
  • Candidates Screening and Profiling: Oversee the screening and profiling of Cell Therapy candidates in relevant in vitro models including immune cell-based assays, co-culture systems, and 3D organoid models. Evaluate candidate efficacy, potency and selectivity, to support lead optimization and candidate selection.
  • Mechanism of Action Studies: Investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the activity of Cell Therapy candidates using in vitro pharmacology approaches.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary discovery teams in a matrix format, including biologics engineering, biologics production, analytics, translational scientists, and preclinical development teams to advance discovery programs. Communicate results effectively and contribute to project team meetings, scientific discussions, and project planning activities.
  • Mentoring: 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 field with 10+ years experience , or MS with 16+ years experience, or BS with 18+ years experience.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in Cell Therapy research, with a focus on immune cell biology, and tumor-immune interactions.
  • Minimum of 7 years of management 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 Cell Therapy, including assay development and validation, candidate 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 pharmaceuticals and best in class patient support programs. Takeda is a patient-focused company that will inspire and empower you to grow through life-changing work.

Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location:

Boston, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

169 200.00

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained , certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

U.S. based e mployee s may be eligible for s hort - t erm and/ or l ong- t erm incentive s . U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

EEO Statement

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.

Locations Boston, MA

Worker Type Employee

Worker Sub-Type Regular

Time Type Full time

Job Exempt

Yes