Takeda
pharmaceutical
ExecutiveDirector,AIRxProgramLead
Neural analysis suggests this role is
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“Executive Director, AIRx Program Lead at Takeda. Skills: AI-enabled design, drug discovery program leadership, AI/ML integration. Lead and manage multiple drug discovery oversee the entire discovery process from target identification to preclinical development and IND. Define, articulate, and evolve the program build the medicine vision and early asset strategy”
What You'll Achieve.
delivering differentiated medicines to the clinic at speed and cost; deliver candidates to the clinic at industry leading speed and success rates; ensure programs are delivered at pace with disciplined cost stewardship; contributing to a sustainable, high-quality pipeline of INDs
Industry & Context.
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Advanced degree in health or life sciences (PhD, MD, or DVM), 15+ years of industry experience with deep subject matter expertise in drug, at least 10 years in scientific leadership roles, Proven track record leading 5+ programs across discovery from target inception to Candidate Nomination or minimum 3 INDs required, Deep knowledge of the drug discovery process: target identification, hit-to-lead, lead optimization, and IND-enabling activities, AI/ML fluency and digital-forward scientific experience integrating AI/ML into drug discovery workflows, Excellent and inclusive able to inspire and motivate teams towards ambitious goals, Exceptional communication able to convey complex scientific concepts to senior governance audiences, Demonstrated success building strategic CRO business acumen including regulatory and commercial awareness
Nice to Have
PhD strongly preferred
What You'll Do.
Lead and manage multiple drug discovery oversee the entire discovery process from target identification to preclinical development and IND
and evolve the program build the medicine vision and early asset strategy
Evaluate and prioritize drug candidates based on scientific
and commercial considerations
Lead and enable rapid
AI-enabled DMTA cycles
ensuring computational design outputs are translated into clear recommendations and fast
decisive go/no-go outcomes
Partner with Clinical and Translational teams to refine asset strategy and ensure clinical line of sight from early discovery
Manage external CROs providing services to the ensure timelines are met and data is decision-ready
Represent Takeda externally for evaluate external opportunities and serve as BD ambassador
Ensure programs are delivered at pace with disciplined cost stewardship
contributing to a sustainable
high-quality pipeline of INDs and informing broader portfolio strategy
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Partner with Clinical and Translational teams; work alongside top computational chemists, AI/ML specialists, and biology experts
Communication Scope
Exceptional communication able to convey complex scientific concepts to senior governance audiences
Process & Methodology
manage multiple drug discovery programs, ensure timelines are met
Full Job Description
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](https://jobs.takeda.com/privacynotice) and [Terms of Use](https://www.takeda.com/terms-and-conditions/). I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge. ## **Job Description** Takeda Research is constructing a Lab of Tomorrow built on AI, automation, new ways of working, and talent with the singular vision of delivering differentiated medicines to the clinic at speed and cost. To catalyze these efforts, Takeda is creating two complementary units: AI Research Accelerator (AIRx) and Discovery Automation & Robotics (DAR). AIRx will consist of a dedicated group of experienced drug hunters with the autonomy of a biotech and the resources of a leading pharmaceutical company. It is designed to incubate the future AI-powered operating models and deliver candidates to the clinic at industry leading speed and success rates. **Purpose** As AIRx Program Lead, you will own the end-to-end scientific and strategic direction of 2–3 discovery program within a unit deliberately designed to remove the structural overhead that slows programs down in large pharma. AI-enabled design, externalized wet lab execution, and a direct line to governance: this is the environment elite drug hunters have been waiting for. You will work alongside top computational chemists, AI/ML specialists, and biology experts in a model where the science — not the governance calendar — drives the pace and progress. Programs here move because the structure is built for speed. Your job is to make sure that speed produces the right medicines. A proven track record of leading at least 3 discovery programs to clinic is required. **Accountabilities** * Lead and manage multiple drug discovery projects; oversee the entire discovery process
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