Associate Director Research, In Vitro Antibody Discovery

$149,100 - $149,100/Yr

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company - Boston, MA

Full-time - Senior

Boston, MA

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

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. As an Associate Director, you will have extensive expertise and a comprehensive understanding of antibody discovery and optimization through in vitro based methodologies, advancing programs from discovery towards IND. 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 proactivity 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. You will need an enterprise mindset to effectively allocate resources to high priority programs and collaborate with matrix teams to best enable programs. Recognizing and streamlining for the most efficient ways of working is a high priority in this role, which requires tremendous drive and 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.

Responsibilities

• Set high standards for effectiveness of execution and rigor of thought in antibody-based discovery and optimization.
• Provide innovative guidance on strategies towards candidate profiles for differing target types and optimization approaches.
• Mine and triage antibody repertoires to progress viable therapeutic molecules, incorporating NGS based sequence analysis.
• Identify and drive efficient paths for workflow progression with a highly innovative mindset.
• Foster innovation and set excellent strategy within the sub-team.
• Empower and mentor a small team in their mission to generate therapeutic biologics.
• Use an enterprise mindset to inform resourcing and prioritization of programs.
• Develop the next generation of scientists and leaders, inspiring and growing team members.
• Lead team through in-lab presence, designing and executing discovery/optimization campaigns.
• Act as an ambassador for the biologics department, inputting scientifically to project teams and setting standards for triage of molecules.
• Collaborate with internal and external groups for high efficiency and transparency in molecule progression.
• Ensure thorough evaluation of datasets and information for next step decisions.
• Maintain high diligence in data tracking, uploading, and recording using data management systems.
• Contribute to the preparation of patents, documentation for IND, and publications.

Requirements

• 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 latest scientific advancements, including competitive landscape and new technologies.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with phage methods is a bonus.
• Proficiency in antibody yeast display methods.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Basic life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Paid volunteer time off
• Company holidays
• Well-being benefits
• Up to 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
• Accrual of up to 120 hours of paid vacation for new hires