Director, Antibody / Protein Engineering and Optimization

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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 a Director,  Antibody / Protein Engineering and Optimization where you will be a crucial addition to the Global Biologics Department, leading the protein and antibody engineering team using state-of-the-art methodologies. You will have extensive scientific and managerial expertise to strategically guide the team toward Research objectives, operational efficiency, and scientific excellence, with a direct impact on multiple programs within the Research pipeline. You will also recognize, and streamline for the most efficient ways of working is a high priority in this role, and requires tremendous drive, motivation to deliver (and beat) team and program goals, while also pushing the boundaries to enhance discovery and optimization. it is critical to work and network excellently within the team for best performance and team engagement. The primary goal for the team is the design and engineering core, the output of which is impactful contributions to biologics therapeutics (potency/affinity modulation, developability enhancement, bispecific design, library design), and to the creation and improvement of current discovery and engineering platforms. Here, you will work tightly with the in-house AI/ML team will lead the direction and integration of computational approaches such that these methods become the new paradigm for de-risking candidates to accelerate the identification of the best viable therapeutics.

As part of the Biotherapeutic Engineering team, you will report to Head of the team and proactively engage with, and be deeply involved, including serving as biologics lead on programs across all our 3 disease areas (Oncology; Gastrointestinal and Neuroscience). You will define a clear strategy with significant innovative mindset to enable efficient and smart workflows as well as modernize the group in all aspects of identifying best practice and internalization of such methods. Bringing a track record of driving programs to IND with proactive engagement and accountability in program project teams provides the environment whereby the progress of programs from discovery to development can be streamlined by impactful insights and efficient execution. You will be deeply embedded with cross-functional partners both within the Global Biologics and Research team, leading with a fully collaborative spirit, drive, and enterprise mindset, and a team-centric and inspiring attitude.

How you will contribute:

• Scientific Leader:
  • Set high standards for effectiveness of execution, and rigor of thought. Have in-depth and currently relevant knowledge of antibody / biologic based discovery, optimization/ engineering approaches using in silico computational approaches. Positively influence the Department with this knowledge.
  • Recognize and streamline for the most efficient ways of working is a high priority in this role, and have tremendous drive, motivation to deliver (and beat) team and program goals, while also pushing the boundaries to enhance discovery and optimization.
  • Work closely with and strongly influence the internal Global Biologics teams such as wet lab discovery, NGS, AI/ML groups, to best strategize for and lead for change in establishment of the best feedback loop of discovery/optimization for therapeutics application of scientific expertise in the review of wet-lab and in silico data with team members.
  • Design of maturation libraries for display platforms (affinity/ potency/ stability) leveraging datasets, experience, and state-of-the-art software to improve lead candidates.
  • Contribute to continual deepening of the expertise through external network development, evaluating new opportunities in partnership with business development.
• Program Leader:
  • Lead biologics programs from discovery to IND, integrating early research, progression through candidate nomination and selection.
  • Detailed knowledge of full biologics process from discovery to pre-IND.
  • Ambassador for the biologics department, scientifically inputting to the project teams.
  • Exceptionally collaborative mindset with interact with internal /external groups for high efficiency and transparency to enable swift progression of molecules.
• People Leader:
  • Organizational leader who has accountability for the performance and results of the core research function with managerial responsibility of a group of skilled members.
  • Use enterprise mindset with a broad view across the portfolio that informs resourcing and prioritization of programs under direct remit.
  • Empowerment to lead a small team of highly qualified and skilled scientists in their mission to generate therapeutic biologics.
  • Develop the next generation of organizational and project leaders, acting as a champion of new opportunities. Team-centric mindset, inspiring and growing team members, while serving as a role model and mentor.
  • Responsible for effective resourcing within team to drive programs forward in and efficient manner.
  • Lead team through in-lab presence, designing and efficiently executing discovery /optimization campaigns including affinity maturation, developability; technology development.
• 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 10+ years experience , or MS with 16+ years experience, or BS with 18+ years experience.
• 9 years of Industry experience required.
• 9 years of managerial experience required.
• Outstanding expertise and depth of knowledge within a scientific area 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.

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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. 

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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.

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Job Exempt