Head of Biologics Engineering & Next-Generation Platform Innovation

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 We are seeking an exceptional scientific leader to join the Global Biologics Leadership Team as Head of Biologics Engineering & Next-Generation Platform Innovation. This leader will define and execute the strategy for next-generation biologics beyond conventional monoclonal antibodies, while driving programs from early discovery through candidate selection and IND-enabling development. They will combine deep expertise in biologics discovery, engineering, and translational science with emerging capabilities in AI-driven design, computational biology, and automated experimentation to build a differentiated and sustainable innovation engine. The successful candidate will bring a strong Drug Hunter mindset, a track record of delivering impactful pipeline assets, and the vision to create platform capabilities that accelerate the discovery of transformative medicines. They will be responsible for advancing both near-term program value and long-term technology leadership while developing the next generation of biologics scientists and leaders. Key Responsibilities 1. Define and Lead the Next Generation of Biologics Innovation Establish the scientific vision, strategy, and portfolio framework for biologics beyond traditional monoclonal antibodies, including multispecific, conditionally active, multi functional and highly developable emerging biologic modalities. Build a differentiated platform strategy spanning molecule design, engineering, developability, manufacturability, translational science, and clinical application. Identify and evaluate transformative technologies, external partnerships, licensing opportunities, and strategic collaborations. Serve as a senior scientific leader and trusted advisor to executive leadership, governance committees, and the external scientific community. 2. Deliver High-Impact Programs from Discovery to IND Lead biologics programs from target validation through lead optimization, candidate nomination, and IND-enabling development. Drive rigorous, data-driven decision making across targets, modalities, molecules, and portfolios. Integrate expertise across discovery biology, protein engineering, translational medicine, DMPK, safety, CMC, regulatory, and clinical development. Ensure programs are grounded in strong human biology, clear differentiation, robust developability, and a compelling probability of technical and clinical success. Balance scientific ambition, portfolio prioritization, risk management, resource investment, and executional excellence. 3. Build a World-Class Multispecific Biologics Platform Create a scalable discovery and engineering platform capable of generating differentiated multispecific biologics with superior pharmacological and translational properties. Advance next-generation design approaches through the integration of protein engineering, structural biology, computational design, AI-enabled molecule generation, and advanced screening technologies. Establish design principles that optimize potency, specificity, conditional activity, tissue selectivity, manufacturability, and therapeutic index. Translate platform innovation into measurable gains in speed, quality, differentiation, and pipeline productivity. 4. Establish an AI- and Automation-Enabled Biologics Engineering Engine Partnering with external and Takeda AI leaders, build a computational prediction driven, display technology enabled lead optimization and engineering workflow to convert early biologics lead molecules to transformative lead candidates. Drive adoption of automation, robotics, high-throughput experimentation, modern laboratory informatics, and closed-loop discovery systems. Develop an enterprise knowledge framework that enables biological, experimental, clinical, and program insights to compound over time. 5. Build Talent and Shape Organizational Culture Recruit, develop, and retain exceptional talent across biologics discovery, protein engineering, Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, accountability, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity. Develop future scientific leaders while balancing platform investment with delivery of pipeline milestones. Establish effective operating models, governance mechanisms, and external scientific networks that enhance organizational performance. Required Qualifications Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent scientific training in a relevant discipline. Extensive leadership experience in biologics discovery and development within the biopharmaceutical industry. Demonstrated success advancing biologics programs from discovery through candidate selection and IND-enabling stages. Deep expertise in biologics engineering, antibody therapeutics, multispecific formats, protein design, or related next-generation modalities. Proven experience building and scaling scientific platforms, technology organizations, or multidisciplinary discovery teams. Strong understanding of AI, computational biology, machine learning, and data-driven approaches to drug discovery. Demonstrated ability to integrate computational and experimental sciences to accelerate decision making and program success. Track record of leading effectively across scientific, clinical, regulatory, CMC, and business functions. Proven ability to attract, develop, and inspire high-performing scientific organizations. Leadership Profile The ideal candidate is a visionary Drug Hunter and platform builder who combines deep scientific expertise with strategic leadership. They are equally energized by creating breakthrough technologies and delivering medicines that matter to patients. They thrive in ambiguity, build high-performing teams, challenge conventional thinking, and transform emerging science into sustainable competitive advantage and pipeline impact. Measures of Success A differentiated next-generation biologics strategy adopted across the organization. A highly engaged, high-performing multidisciplinary scientific team. Multiple biologics programs advancing toward candidate selection and IND-enabling development. A validated multispecific biologics platform generating differentiated pipeline opportunities. Seamless integration of AI, computational design, patient insights, and automated experimentation into discovery workflows. Measurable improvements in discovery productivity, decision quality, program differentiation, and probability of success. A sustainable innovation engine generating transformative biologics beyond conventional monoclonal antibodies. 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