Associate Director Research, In Vitro Antibody Discovery

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

Join Takeda as an Associate Director where you will have extensive expertise and a comprehensive understanding of antibody discovery, optimization through in vitro based methodologies and advancing programs from discovery towards IND. Together with technical proficiency, strong leadership skills and a collaborative, motivational approach are essential for effective team management. You will also have proficiency in antibody yeast display methods, along with a keen attention to technical detail and excellent knowledge, hands-on experience of phage methods is a bonus. Integration of NGS/functional based datasets to appropriately mine and improve molecules, together with pro-activity in lead optimization approaches for best therapeutic needs is a must. Experience with monospecific/mAbs, bispecifics and single domain antibodies is required. As part of the Biotherapeutic Engineering team, you will report to the Senior Director of the team and be an organizational leader who has accountability for the performance and results of a small team of scientists with an enterprise mindset needed to effectively allocate resource to high priority programs, and collaborating matrix teams to best enable programs. You will recognize, and streamline for the most efficient ways of working is a high priority in this role, which requires tremendous drive, motivation to deliver (and beat) team and program goals, while also pushing the boundaries to enhance discovery and optimization. Working and networking excellently within the team is critical for best performance and team engagement.

How you will contribute:

• Scientific Leader:
  • Set high standards for effectiveness of execution, and rigor of thought. Possessing in-depth knowledge of antibody-based discovery, optimization/ engineering using yeast/phage in vitro based discovery methods.
  • Draw on expertise from in vitro based discovery platforms to provide thoughtful and innovative guidance on strategies towards candidate profiles for differing target types, optimization / engineering approaches to enhance properties to progress from lead to candidate.
  • Experience in appropriately mining and triaging of antibody repertoires to progress viable therapeutic molecules. Appropriate incorporation of NGS based sequence analysis for both repertoires and clonal populations, while driven by functional readouts.
  • Highly innovative but focused mindset, to identify and drive efficient paths for workflow progression.
  • Set excellent strategy within the sub-team and foster innovation.
  • Contribute to continual deepening of the expertise through external network development.
• People Leader:
  • Organizational leader who has accountability for the performance and results of a small team. Empowerment, but strong mentoring of that team in their mission to generate therapeutic biologics.
  • Use enterprise mindset with a broad view across the portfolio that informs resourcing and prioritization of programs under direct remit, while responsible for working within the matrix team to best resource programs and drive forward in and efficient manner.
  • Develop the next generation of scientists and leaders, acting as a champion of new opportunities. Team-centric mindset, inspiring and growing team members, while serving as a role model and mentor across the entire group.
  • Lead team through in-lab presence, designing and efficiently executing discovery /optimization campaigns including affinity maturation, developability; technology development.
• Program Involvement:
  • Ambassador for the biologics department, scientifically inputting to project teams, helping set standards for excellent and focused triage of molecules.
  • Exceptionally collaborative mindset with interact with internal /external groups for high efficiency and transparency to enable swift progression of molecules.
• Other:
  • Excellent knowledge of data analysis tools to ensure thorough evaluation of datasets and information based next step decisions.
  • High level of diligence in all data tracking, uploading, and recording using data management systems within the department.
  • Key involvement and due diligence for external interactions, collaborations and workflows where appropriate.
  • Contribution to the preparation of patents, documentation for IND, and publications.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• PhD degree in a scientific discipline with 7+ years experience, or MS with 13+ years experience, or BS with 15+ years experience 5 years of Industry experience required.
• 5 years of managerial experience required.
• Keeps up with the up-to-date scientific advancement (e.g. competitive landscape, new technology, new research portfolio, and new partnership).

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.

Locations

Boston, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes