Executive Director, AIRx Program Lead: Biologics (BOSTON)

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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: AIRx will have a dedicated group of experienced biologic 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 for large molecule discovery and deliver candidates to the clinic at industry leading speed and success rates.
As AIRx Biologics Program Lead, you will own the end-to-end scientific and strategic direction of 2–3 large molecule discovery programs within a unit deliberately designed to remove the structural overhead that slows programs down in large pharma. AI-enabled protein design, internal or externalized wet lab execution, and a direct line to governance: this is the environment elite biologic drug hunters have been waiting for.
You will work alongside top computational protein scientists, AI/ML specialists, protein structure and translational 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 biologic discovery programs to clinic is required.
Lead and manage multiple biologic drug discovery projects in an AI-forward manner with urgency; oversee the entire discovery process from modality selection through preclinical development and IND filing
build the medicine vision and early asset strategy including developability and manufacturability considerations
Evaluate and prioritize biologic candidates based on scientific, clinical, CMC, and commercial considerations; balance potency, selectivity, half-life, immunogenicity risk, protein stability and expression yield in go/no-go decisions
Lead and enable rapid, AI-enabled Design and Test cycles for protein engineering; ensure generative protein design and structure-prediction outputs are translated into clear experimental recommendations and fast, decisive go/no-go outcomes
Drive sequence optimization, affinity maturation, Fc engineering, and formulation-ready candidate selection using integrated computational and experimental platforms
Partner with Clinical and Translational teams to refine asset strategy; Manage external CROs and CDMOs providing protein expression, purification, in vitro pharmacology, and GLP toxicology services; ensure timelines are met and data is decision-ready
evaluate external opportunities including platform technologies, novel modalities, and in-licensing candidates; serve as BD ambassador
Ensure programs are delivered at pace with disciplined cost stewardship, contributing to a sustainable, high-quality pipeline of biologic INDs and informing broader portfolio strategy
Advanced degree in protein biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, immunology, or related life sciences (PhD, MD, or DVM); PhD strongly preferred
~at least 10 years in scientific leadership roles within large molecule programs
~ Proven track record leading 5+ biologic programs across discovery from target inception to Candidate Nomination or beyond; Deep knowledge of the biologic drug discovery and development process: target identification, hit generation (phage/yeast display, hybridoma, single B cell), lead optimization, developability assessment, and IND-enabling CMC and toxicology activities
~ Strong AI/ML exposure and digital-forward scientific mindset; Solid understanding of large molecule DMPK: FcRn-mediated recycling, half-life extension strategies, subcutaneous absorption, immunogenicity risk assessment, and PK/PD modeling for dose projection
~ Demonstrated success building strategic CRO and CDMO partnerships for biologics; strong business acumen including regulatory (BLA/MAA pathway) and commercial awareness

This position is currently classified as “hybrid” by Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy.
The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location. 
S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/ or long-term incentives. 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. 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.