Director Research, Antibody Discovery and Optimization, In Vivo Based Platforms

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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 where you will necessitate substantial scientific and managerial experience to effectively lead and motivate a team towards strategic goals, operational efficiency, and scientific excellence. The primary focus is on discovering therapeutic antibodies using state-of-the-art in vivo based approaches, the expectation of which is impact multiple programs in Research pipeline. You will have multiple years hands-on experience coupled with deep understanding of a wide range of immunization approaches for multiple transgenic animals strains/llamas, single B cell cloning methodologies coupled with NGS and in vitro platforms to appropriately mine repertoires. Carry past experience of building a robust in vivo antibody discovery workflow, incorporation of automation. As part of the Biotherapeutic Engineering team, you will report to the Senior Director of team and be an organizational leader with accountability for the performance and results of the group, leading with a fully collaborative spirit, drive, enterprise mindset, and a team-centric and inspiring attitude. You will lead with excellent transparent communication, a sense of urgency and commitment beyond discovery, bringing previous experience of driving and leading progression of programs to IND.

• Scientific Leader:
  • Set high standards for effectiveness of execution, and rigor of thought. Possessing in-depth knowledge of antibody-based discovery, optimization/ engineering using in vivo based discovery methods that include transgenic animals/ llamas and single B cell cloning methodologies and NGS to manipulate and mine antibody populations appropriately for therapeutic antibody workflows.
  • 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. Engaging with the team and beyond is critical for best performance and team engagement.
  • Experience in appropriately mining and triaging of antibody repertoires to progress viable therapeutic molecules. Includes enhancing efficiencies for current workflows with continual innovation and optimization . Strategize, optimize, and perform B cell separation and refined enrichment techniques for antigen-specific antibody screening that will include plasma and memory B cell sorting (Beacon and FACS based methods). Lead single-cell RT-PCR, PCR, molecular cloning, and BCR sequence analysis to best harvest variable antibody regions for expression, NGS and/or repertoire cloning into in vitro display platforms, with associated analysis and management of data. Collaborate effectively with high-throughput mammalian expression teams for downstream work, while working with teams to best define overall triage funnels and steps.
  • Work closely with NGS discovery team to best strategize and thoughtfully apply NGS based analysis throughout the discovery process and lead for change in establishment of the best feedback loop of discovery/optimization for therapeutics.
  • Collaboratively lead construction of immune based repertoires from animal sources for manipulation in vitro display-based platforms from discovery through optimization.
  • Involvement in design of maturation libraries for display platforms (affinity/ potency/ stability) leveraging datasets, experience, and software to improve lead candidates.
  • Enterprise sequence analysis through state-of-the-art tools for deep understanding and performance of campaigns.
  • Draw on expertise from in vivo based discovery platforms to provide thoughtful guidance on strategies towards candidate profiles for differing target types, optimization / engineering approaches to enhance properties to progress from lead to candidate.
  • 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 this research function with significant managerial responsibility.
  • 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 and 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.

• 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).

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.

For Location:

U.S. Base Salary Range:

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/or long-termincentives. U.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. U.S.based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

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