Talent.com
No longer accepting applications
Director, Small Molecule In Vitro Pharmacology (IVP)

Director, Small Molecule In Vitro Pharmacology (IVP)

Takeda PharmaceuticalsBoston, MA, US
30+ days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

Job Description

The Director, Small Molecule In Vitro Pharmacology (IVP) plays a pivotal role in small molecule drug discovery research by contributing to the identification of bona fide hit molecules and providing deep insights into the in vitro pharmacological profiles of hit / lead series in close collaboration with medicinal chemists.

Additionally, the role oversees external programs at CROs, including the design and management of diverse types of assays, execution, and acceleration of the iterative Design-Make-Test-Analyze (DMTA) cycles conducted exclusively at these organizations. These responsibilities encompass significant scientific contributions, both strategic and tactical, that directly impact the progression of Takeda's pipeline and scientific objectives.

Accountabilities

  • Lead the in vitro pharmacology efforts for proprietary, differentiated small molecule asset generation projects across therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, oncology, and gastrointestinal / inflammatory diseases. Collaborate closely with medicinal chemistry leads to design and implement in vitro screening cascades, conduct high-throughput screening and hit validation, perform SAR screenings for hit / lead optimization, and analyze hit / lead series in depth to provide scientific insights.
  • Proactively leverage external CRO capabilities by integrating both internal and external expertise to establish an efficient and productive operational framework. Balance short-term and long-term perspectives to ensure sustainable support for an increasing number of projects.
  • Act as an In Vitro Pharmacology representative to support the initiation of new projects by contributing significant insights into asset generation strategies and drafting tactical research plans with robust screening cascades to identify valid hit molecules. Lead and manage hit generation activities following the formal initiation of projects.
  • Build and foster strong internal and external collaborations by aligning with key stakeholders, including internal biology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, computational sciences, and structural biology / protein chemistry teams. Collaborate extensively within interdisciplinary research teams in a matrix format (functional / report-line teams and research project teams) to advance discovery programs.
  • Serve as an inspirational global subject matter expert in Small Molecule In Vitro Pharmacology, cultivating a culture of innovation and scientific excellence through the application of cutting-edge technologies and the latest scientific approaches.
  • Mentor and develop talent within the Global Chemistry organization and the broader in vitro pharmacology community at Takeda. Ensure internal functions evolve sustainably by staying at the forefront of science and technology. Act as a role model for ethical decision-making by understanding and adhering to both local and global compliance regulations.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral)

  • PhD in a scientific discipline related to molecular biology field with 10+ years of relevant experience in pharma.
  • Experience in the pharmaceutical industry with a demonstrated track record of supporting cross-functional teams to generate validated hit / lead molecules that progressed to candidate molecules. Preferably, IVP leadership experience for over 10 cycles of hit / lead generation projects, including high-throughput screening (HTS) and hit validation.
  • Deep and diverse knowledge of in vitro assays, including biophysical assays, biochemical assays, cell-based assays, and small molecule screenings, utilizing both internal and external (CRO) resources. Proficient in data processing and using software platforms for data archiving considering future use in cheminformatics and drug design.
  • Proven experience in managing CROs for hit / lead generation and optimization with a solid understanding of both business and scientific disciplines. Familiarity with relevant external communities such as The Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS).
  • Passion for advancing in vitro pharmacology capabilities and drug discovery pipelines, including the proactive exploration of new techniques, innovative experimental approaches, advanced software, hardware / cloud capabilities, and AI / ML-driven methods.
  • Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with a commitment to fostering an inclusive culture. Demonstrated ability to lead global hit generation teams, collaborate effectively across disciplines, and exhibit enterprise thinking with the influence to lead without formal authority.
  • 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 : Boston, MA

    U.S. Base Salary Range : $174,500.00 - $274,230.00

    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-term incentives. 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.

    EEO Statement

    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.

    Locations

    Boston, MA

    Worker Type

    Employee

    Worker Sub-Type

    Regular

    Time Type

    Full time

    Job Exempt : Yes

    It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

    Create a job alert for this search

    Director Pharmacology • Boston, MA, US

    Related jobs
    • Promoted
    Scientific Director Oncology – ETCT Innovation

    Scientific Director Oncology – ETCT Innovation

    GlaxoSmithKlineWaltham, MA, United States
    Full-time
    Site Name : USA - Massachusetts - Waltham, USA - Pennsylvania - Upper Providence Posted Date : Oct 17 2025.At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.Our...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Sr. Director, Clinical Science

    Sr. Director, Clinical Science

    Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Waltham, MA, United States
    Full-time
    Director, Clinical Science, is a key member of our clinical development team, contributing to and providing leadership on the development and execution of the clinical strategy for current and futu...Show moreLast updated: 22 days ago
    • Promoted
    Principal Account Manager, Life Sciences

    Principal Account Manager, Life Sciences

    EntegrisBillerica, MA, United States
    Full-time
    Principal Account Manager, Life Sciences.Here at Entegris, we use advanced science to enable technologies that transform the world, and we are seeking employees who have the drive to continue that ...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Director - In Vivo Pharmacology

    Director - In Vivo Pharmacology

    Eli Lilly andBoston, MA, United States
    Full-time
    At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world.We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work...Show moreLast updated: 4 days ago
    • Promoted
    Director - In Vivo Pharmacology

    Director - In Vivo Pharmacology

    Eli Lilly and CompanyBoston, MA, United States
    Full-time
    At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world.We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees work to discover and ...Show moreLast updated: 4 days ago
    • Promoted
    Director of Biologics Drug Substance Development & Manufacturing

    Director of Biologics Drug Substance Development & Manufacturing

    AVEO OncologyBoston, MA, United States
    Full-time
    JOB TITLE : Director of Biologics Drug Substance Development & Manufacturing.DEPARTMENT : Technical Operations, Biologics. Director Biologics TechnicalDATE PREPARED : November 7, 2025.AVEO is seeking a...Show moreLast updated: 6 days ago
    • Promoted
    Director of Endocrinology

    Director of Endocrinology

    Signature HealthcareBrockton, US
    Full-time
    Come join our team at Signature Healthcare! This is a great opportunity for a BC Endocrinologist that thrives on providing excellent patient care and has an interest in clinical leadership.Our team...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    • New!
    Director of Business Development

    Director of Business Development

    Frontage Laboratories, IncBoston, Massachusetts, United States
    Full-time
    Business Development Professional (Manager to Director) Location : .US (remote – WFH) – MA, CA, NJ.Competitive salary, commission, and generous benefits. CRO operating over 25 state‑of‑the‑art laborat...Show moreLast updated: 1 hour ago
    • Promoted
    Director, Global Regulatory Lead - Oncology

    Director, Global Regulatory Lead - Oncology

    TakedaBoston, MA, United States
    Full-time
    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 oth...Show moreLast updated: 21 days ago
    • Promoted
    • New!
    Director, Medicinal Chemistry

    Director, Medicinal Chemistry

    HotSpot Therapeutics, IncBoston, Massachusetts, United States
    Full-time
    Full-time, hybrid role based in Boston, MA At HotSpot Therapeutics, nature is inspiring us to create a wave of new medicines. Through a proprietary technology platform, we are uncovering privileged ...Show moreLast updated: 1 hour ago
    • Promoted
    Director / Senior Director, Peptide Chemistry (Durham, NC)

    Director / Senior Director, Peptide Chemistry (Durham, NC)

    Z-Alpha TherapeuticsBoston, MA, United States
    Full-time
    Z-Alpha Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of radiotherapeutics targeting key biological pathways for solid tumors. The company has a revolutionary t...Show moreLast updated: 10 days ago
    • Promoted
    Director, Global Indication Lead, Rheumatology

    Director, Global Indication Lead, Rheumatology

    argenx SEBoston, MA, United States
    Full-time
    VYVGART, our first-in-class neonatal Fc receptor blocker approved for the treatment of gMG, and with the potential to treat patients across dozens of severe autoimmune diseases.We are building a ne...Show moreLast updated: 2 days ago
    • Promoted
    Director of Endocrinology

    Director of Endocrinology

    HealthEcareers - ClientBrockton, MA, USA
    Full-time
    Come join our team at Signature Healthcare! This is a great opportunity for a BC Endocrinologist that thrives on providing excellent patient care and has an interest in clinical leadership.Our team...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    • New!
    Director or Senior Director, IDD Biology

    Director or Senior Director, IDD Biology

    WuXi AppTecBoston, Massachusetts, United States
    Full-time
    Discovery integrated biology leader.The role in the IDD (Integrated Drug Discovery) team is an exciting scientific and problem-solving role where you enable broad global clients from VCs, stealth, ...Show moreLast updated: 1 hour ago
    • Promoted
    Executive Director, Portfolio Lead, Global Discovery Chemistry

    Executive Director, Portfolio Lead, Global Discovery Chemistry

    Bristol Myers SquibbBoston, MA, United States
    Full-time
    Those aren't words that are usually associated with a job.But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual.Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department.From optim...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Director / Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs - CMC

    Director / Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs - CMC

    Vivid ResourcingBoston, MA, United States
    Full-time
    Director / Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs - CMC (Biologics | Phase 3 Asset | Advanced Modality).Boston area (hybrid, flexible travel). A clinical-stage biotech developing an.Director / Senior Dir...Show moreLast updated: 14 days ago
    • Promoted
    Senior Director, Drug Substance Development and Manufacturing (Peptide)

    Senior Director, Drug Substance Development and Manufacturing (Peptide)

    Kailera TherapeuticsWaltham, MA, US
    Full-time
    Senior Director, Drug Substance Development and Manufacturing (Peptide).At Kailera, we are bold, authentic and committed to our mission of developing therapies that give people the power to transfo...Show moreLast updated: 1 day ago
    • Promoted
    Director, Toxicology Multiple Therapeutic Areas

    Director, Toxicology Multiple Therapeutic Areas

    Novartis Group CompaniesCambridge, MA, United States
    Full-time
    Director, Toxicology Multiple Therapeutic Areas.This position will be located in the US (Cambridge, MA).We are seeking a Director Toxicology that will provide nonclinical regulatory toxicology expe...Show moreLast updated: 17 days ago