Director, Head of DNA-Encoded Library (DEL)

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 and Terms of Use . I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge. Job Description The Head of DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) will provide scientific and strategic leadership for the development and application of DNA-encoded library technologies to accelerate small-molecule discovery. This leader will create Takeda’s DEL strategy and build a team to enable DEL screening in house. They will lead the design and build of DEL libraries, oversee DEL selections and data analysis, and guide cross-functional teams from hit identification through hit-to-lead progression. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in on-DNA chemistry, DEL platform development, and collaborative drug discovery, with a demonstrated ability to translate DEL-derived insights into high-quality chemical matter and actionable project decisions. Key Responsibilities Define and implement internal and external DEL screening strategies aligned with discovery program objectives. Build a team to fully execute DEL in house at Takeda. Lead the design, synthesis/acquisition, characterization, and quality assessment of DEL libraries. Oversee DEL selection campaigns, including target preparation, assay design, controls, and experimental execution. Direct DEL data processing, quality control, statistical analysis, and interpretation. Evaluate DEL hits and establish prioritization strategies based on potency, selectivity, enrichment, chemical tractability, and developability. Lead or coordinate hit identification, hit validation, resynthesis, and confirmation activities. Partners with medicinal chemistry, biology, biophysics, structural biology, computational chemistry, DMPK, and project leadership teams to advance DEL-derived hits through hit-to-lead. Provide scientific guidance on on-DNA reaction development, DNA-compatible chemistry, building-block selection, and library design. Establish platform capabilities, workflows, standards, and best practices for DEL screening and data analysis. Present scientific strategy, results, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and project teams. Build external collaborations and maintain awareness of emerging DEL technologies, methods, and competitive advances. Mentor and develop scientists while fostering a collaborative, innovative, and scientifically rigorous culture. Leadership Competencies Strategic and innovative scientific thinker Collaborative and inclusive team leader Strong cross-functional influencer Results-oriented and accountable Skilled at translating complex data into clear decisions Effective mentor and people developer Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, matrixed environment Qualifications (Required) Expected Requirements: PhD in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochmistry or a related scientific discipline with 10+ years of relevant industry experience in drug discovery , DEL technology, or a closely related field; or MS in a relevant scientific discipline with 16+ years of relevant experience. Demonstrated expertise in: DEL library design and synthesis On-DNA chemistry and DNA-compatible reaction development DEL selection design and execution DEL data analysis and hit triage Hit identification, validation, and hit-to-lead activities Proven ability to define and execute DEL strategies across multiple discovery programs. Experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrixed research environment. Strong record of scientific innovation, collaboration, and delivery of high-quality discovery outcomes. Excellent communication, presentation, project leadership, and problem-solving skills. Accountabilities: Describe the primary duties and responsibilities of the job. Include only the essential functions of the job. Approximately 5 – 10 bulleted task statements should be identified. Key Responsibilities Define and implement internal and external DEL screening strategies aligned with discovery program objectives. Build a team to fully execute DEL in house at Takeda. Lead the design, synthesis/acquisition, characterization, and quality assessment of DEL libraries. Oversee DEL selection campaigns, including target preparation, assay design, controls, and experimental execution. Direct DEL data processing, quality control, statistical analysis, and interpretation. Evaluate DEL hits and establish prioritization strategies based on potency, selectivity, enrichment, chemical tractability, and developability. Lead or coordinate hit identification, hit validation, resynthesis, and confirmation activities. Partners with medicinal chemistry, biology, biophysics, structural biology, computational chemistry, DMPK, and project leadership teams to advance DEL-derived hits through hit-to-lead. Provide scientific guidance on on-DNA reaction development, DNA-compatible chemistry, building-block selection, and library design. Establish platform capabilities, workflows, standards, and best practices for DEL screening and data analysis. Present scientific strategy, results, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and project teams. Build external collaborations and maintain awareness of emerging DEL technologies, methods, and competitive advances. Mentor and develop scientists while fostering a collaborative, innovative, and scientifically rigorous culture. Leadership Competencies Strategic and innovative scientific thinker Collaborative and inclusive team leader Strong cross-functional influencer Results-oriented and accountable Skilled at translating complex data into clear decisions Effective mentor and people developer Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, matrixed environment Qualifications (Required) Expected Requirements: PhD in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochmistry or a related scientific discipline with 10+ years of relevant industry experience in drug discovery , DEL technology, or a closely related field; or MS in a relevant scientific discipline with 16+ years of relevant experience. Demonstrated expertise in: DEL library design and synthesis On-DNA chemistry and DNA-compatible reaction development DEL selection design and execution DEL data analysis and hit triage Hit identification, validation, and hit-to-lead activities Proven ability to define and execute DEL strategies across multiple discovery programs. Experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrixed research environment. Strong record of scientific innovation, collaboration, and delivery of high-quality discovery outcomes.