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Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry

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

Objective / Purpose:

We are seeking a seasoned and visionary Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry to join our leadership team. This individual will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of our company by providing strategic guidance and oversight to our medicinal chemistry efforts. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in driving our drug discovery initiatives forward, ensuring their successful progression and alignment with our company's overall goals and objectives. By leveraging their expertise, they will significantly influence our strategic decisions and contribute to the advancement of our scientific and commercial endeavors. Additionally, this person will oversee external programs at CROs, managing the design, execution, and progression of medicinal chemistry projects conducted exclusively at these organizations

Accountabilities:

                                                                                                                                                                                                

  • Create business development opportunities that meet the strategic scientific, therapeutic, and commercial needs of the organization or specific Therapeutic Area (TA).

  • Leadership and Strategy: Provide strategic leadership and oversight to the medicinal chemistry department, aligning with the company's overall goals and objectives.

  • Project Management: Oversee the design, execution, and management of medicinal chemistry projects conducted exclusively at CROs, ensuring timely progress and high-quality outcomes.

  • Team Development: Mentor and develop a team of internal chemists, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

  • Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including biology, pharmacology, and clinical development, to advance drug candidates from discovery through development.

  • Innovation: Drive innovation in medicinal chemistry through the integration of new technologies, methodologies, and best practices.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all activities comply with relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards.

  • External Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including academic institutions, industry collaborators, and contract research organizations.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):
 

  • Expected education and experience: PhD degree in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or related discipline with 15+ years experience in small molecule projects.

  • Proven track record of leading successful drug discovery programs, preferably in large pharma.

  • Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and managerial skills with experience leading and developing high-performing teams.

  • Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of medicinal chemistry principles, drug design, and optimization processes.

  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to a broad audience.

  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive and innovative approach to challenges.

  • Collaboration: Proven ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.

  • Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience: Experience in a leadership role within a large pharmaceutical or biotechnology company is highly desirable.

  • A proven track record of leading projects that are completely outsourced

  • Publications: A strong publication record in medicinal chemistry or related fields.

  • Patents: Experience with patent filings and intellectual property management.

  • Networking: Established network within the scientific and pharmaceutical community.

This position is currently classified as "hybrid" in accordance with Takeda's Hybrid and Remote Work policy

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:

$208,200.00 - $327,140.00

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.

Average salary estimate

$267670 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$208200K
$327140K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry, Takeda

Are you ready to take the lead in the realm of medicinal chemistry? Takeda is on the lookout for a Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry to join our dynamic team in Boston, MA. In this pivotal role, you will have the unique opportunity to shape our future drug discovery initiatives, providing strategic guidance that aligns with our overall goals. Your expertise will drive innovation and collaboration, ensuring that our projects not only meet but exceed industry standards. As you oversee external partnerships with CROs, you’ll manage the design, execution, and progression of critical medicinal chemistry projects. Leading a talented team of chemists, you will cultivate an environment of mentorship and growth, nurturing future leaders in our field. We’re excited to put your problem-solving skills to work as you navigate the complexities of drug design and optimize our approaches to medicinal chemistry. With your PhD in Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry and over 15 years of industry experience, you’ll be instrumental in pushing our scientific boundaries forward. At Takeda, we value your innovation, collaboration, and adaptability as we take on the challenges in delivering promising therapeutics to patients. If you’re passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and leading groundbreaking projects, we want to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry Role at Takeda
What are the key responsibilities of the Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Takeda?

As the Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Takeda, your main responsibilities include providing strategic leadership to the medicinal chemistry department, overseeing external projects conducted at contract research organizations (CROs), and mentoring a talented team of chemists. You will also drive business development opportunities, foster collaboration across cross-functional teams, and ensure regulatory compliance in all medicinal chemistry activities.

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What qualifications are required for the Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry position at Takeda?

To qualify for the Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry role at Takeda, candidates need a PhD in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related discipline, along with 15+ years of experience in small molecule projects. A proven track record in drug discovery programs, exceptional leadership skills, and a thorough understanding of medicinal chemistry principles are essential for success in this position.

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How does Takeda support the development of its Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry?

At Takeda, we place a strong emphasis on team development and mentorship. As a Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry, you will receive opportunities for professional growth through training programs, access to cutting-edge technologies, and collaboration with top industry professionals. Your leadership will also foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within your team.

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What is the work environment like for a Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Takeda?

The work environment for a Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Takeda in Boston, MA, is collaborative and dynamic. With a hybrid work policy, you will enjoy a blend of in-office and remote work, allowing for flexibility while still engaging closely with cross-functional teams. The team is focused on innovation, where creativity and scientific exploration are highly encouraged.

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What are the career advancement opportunities for the Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Takeda?

Career advancement opportunities for the Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Takeda are abundant, as you will be part of a vibrant leadership team. Successful performance in this role can lead to more senior leadership positions within the company. Additionally, your contributions to groundbreaking projects and partnerships can enhance your visibility in the pharmaceutical industry, opening doors for further opportunities.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry
Can you describe your experience in leading drug discovery programs?

In answering this question, be sure to highlight specific projects you've led, the challenges you faced, and the successful outcomes. Discuss your approach to leadership, how you motivate your team, and how you handle cross-departmental collaboration.

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What strategies have you implemented to foster innovation in medicinal chemistry?

Talk about specific methodologies or technologies you've integrated into your teams. Provide examples of how these innovations led to successful drug candidates or improved processes, demonstrating your ability to adapt to new scientific advancements.

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How do you ensure regulatory compliance within your projects?

Respond with a clear explanation of your understanding of regulatory standards and how you implement them in project management. Emphasize your experience in maintaining high-quality outcomes while adhering to industry regulations.

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Describe a time when you had to manage external partnerships with CROs.

Use this question to showcase your project management skills. Discuss the specific roles you played in these collaborations, challenges encountered, and how you ensured the projects stayed on track and met quality standards.

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How do you approach team development and mentorship?

Illustrate your mentorship style, including specific instances where you have guided team members towards achieving their professional goals. Highlight any training programs you’ve initiated or participated in that fostered a culture of growth.

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What do you think are the biggest challenges in medicinal chemistry today?

Provide a thoughtful response that covers current industry trends, such as the rapid pace of technological advancement or increasing regulatory scrutiny. Share how you strategize to tackle these challenges creatively.

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How do you handle conflicts within your team?

In your answer, discuss your conflict resolution style—whether it be collaborative or assertive—and provide an example of a conflict you've successfully navigated, emphasizing the positive outcome.

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How do you prioritize projects and manage deadlines?

Detail your methods for prioritizing tasks, such as using project management tools or setting transparent goals. Share an instance where your prioritization positively impacted a project's success.

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How do you stay updated with advancements in medicinal chemistry?

Mention specific journals, conferences, and networks you engage with to keep abreast of the latest research and developments. Highlight any ongoing educational endeavors that enhance your knowledge.

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What excites you most about the Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry position at Takeda?

Convey your enthusiasm for the role by discussing Takeda's commitment to innovation and patient care, and how it aligns with your personal values and career aspirations. Focus on the impact you hope to make in the field of medicinal chemistry.

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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
April 14, 2025

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