Research Senior Scientific Director, Head of Hit ID and Sample Management (Automation)

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 Our Labs of Tomorrow vision is bold: We will deliver at least one groundbreaking medicine to patients every year by working ‘smarter’ rather than ‘harder’. We are making this possible by improving our processes for agility, while increasingly integrating AI/ML and lab automation into our workflows. Objective / Purpose: We are seeking a Senior Director, Head of High-Throughput Screening (HTS), DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL), and Sample Management to lead a strategic function supporting discovery across small and large molecule portfolios. This leader will be responsible for advancing screening and compound/sample management capabilities, driving innovation in hit identification, and ensuring operational excellence across highly automated platforms and large-scale libraries. The ideal candidate brings deep scientific and operational expertise in HTS, DEL, and sample management, with a proven track record leading high-performing teams, shaping strategy, and influencing senior stakeholders across a matrixed R&D organization. Accountabilities:                                                                                                                    Scientific and Technical Leadership Lead and evolve enterprise capabilities in high-throughput screening, DEL screening, and sample management in support of discovery programs across therapeutic areas. Oversee screening strategies for small molecules, ensuring robust assay execution, hit identification, triage, and progression. Provide deep expertise in 1536-well screening, assay miniaturization, screening cascade design, and operational scale-up. Drive scientific excellence in HTS principles, screening statistics, assay performance metrics, and data quality assessment, including use of controls, normalization approaches, and hit-calling methodologies. Apply advanced knowledge of statistical analysis to support high-confidence decision-making across large and complex datasets. Champion integration of AI and computational approaches for hit selection, pattern recognition, data mining, and broader screening data analysis. Bring direct experience with DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) technologies, including screening strategy, data interpretation, and integration with complementary hit-finding platforms. Sample Management and Operational Excellence Lead end-to-end sample management operations for both small and large molecules. Oversee management of large compound and sample libraries exceeding 1 million samples, ensuring integrity, accessibility, traceability, and efficient deployment. Direct operation and continuous improvement of large integrated automated storage systems and associated workflows. Establish and maintain best practices in sample QC, inventory governance, plating, cherry-picking, reformatting, and shipment readiness. Drive reliability, quality, and scalability of operations through strong process discipline, metrics, automation, and continuous improvement. Strategy and Cross-Functional Partnership Develop and execute a forward-looking strategy for HTS, DEL, and sample management aligned with portfolio and platform priorities. Partner closely with medicinal chemistry, biology, data science, automation, informatics, and discovery leadership to deliver integrated hit discovery solutions. Communicate scientific strategy, operational performance, risks, and investment priorities effectively to senior leadership. Identify emerging technologies and external innovations that can enhance screening performance, speed, and decision quality. People Leadership Lead, inspire, and develop a large organization of scientists and operational staff. Build a high-performance, inclusive, and accountable team culture focused on scientific rigor, collaboration, and innovation. Coach leaders and team members, strengthen organizational capabilities, and ensure appropriate succession planning. Set clear goals, empower teams, and model outstanding people leadership. Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral): PhD with 15+ years’ experience in chemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, or related discipline with 15+ years’ experience, MS with 21+ years experinece, or BS with 23+ years’ experience Significant industry experience in high-throughput screening, sample management, and discovery operations, including leadership at senior level. Demonstrated hands-on and strategic expertise in HTS, including 1536-well platforms, assay execution, screening data analysis, and hit triage. Direct experience with compound/sample management for both small and large molecules. Experience managing libraries greater than 1 million samples. Experience operating and optimizing large integrated automated storage systems. Strong knowledge of sample quality control, inventory integrity, and operational best practices. Deep understanding of screening statistics, data quality metrics, and quantitative analysis methods. Experience applying or enabling AI/ML approaches for hit selection and screening data analysis. Prior experience with DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL) strongly preferred, ideally with direct operational and scientific leadership responsibility. Proven success leading large teams of 20+ scientists, including managers and technical experts. Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, including experience presenting to senior executives. Strong strategic mindset with demonstrated ability to build capabilities and deliver organizational impact. Strategic and future-oriented thinker Outstanding people leader