Head of Data and AI Enablement, R&D DD&T (Vice President)

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Job Description

Takeda Pharmaceuticals is seeking a strategic executive leader to join the R&D Digital, Data & Technology (DD&T) leadership team as Vice President, Data & AI Enablement. This pivotal role will define and drive Takeda’s R&D DD&T AI and data strategy, with a focus on transformative AI and digital technologies. The VP will serve as an inspiring strategic partner to senior leaders across R&D, provide technical leadership at the highest level, and build and develop a high-performing team from the ground up. As a key architect of digital and AI transformation, you will ensure that Takeda remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and operational excellence. This is a tremendous opportunity for a leader who thrives in a global, regulated pharmaceutical environment and is passionate about delivering impact at scale.

Key Responsibilities:

• AI & Data Strategy: Develop and deliver a bold multi-year roadmap for AI and data enablement within R&D DDT, ensuring alignment with Takeda’s business priorities. Lead the adoption of generative AI, large language models, and advanced analytics to address complex scientific and operational challenges.

• Strategic Partnership & Influence: Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to senior leaders across R&D, clinical, regulatory, and commercial functions. Inspire alignment and engagement around the DDT transformation agenda, translating complex technical concepts into actionable strategies that support Takeda’s broader R&D objectives.

• Technical Leadership: Provide expert guidance and oversight for the design, development, and deployment of advanced AI, machine learning, and data platforms. Ensure technical excellence and operational reliability in all digital and AI initiatives, setting the standard for innovation and delivery within Takeda’s R&D DDT organization. Champion the integration of emerging technologies, ensuring operational reliability, scalability, and continuous improvement.

• Team Building & Talent Development: Build, lead, and mentor a world-class team of data scientists, AI engineers, software developers, and domain experts. Establish a collaborative, high-performance culture that attracts and develops top talent, enabling the team to deliver on ambitious goals and drive sustained success.

• Operational Excellence & Technology Integration: Oversee the implementation and scaling of emerging technologies, ensuring robust delivery and integration into research, clinical, and regulatory domains. Drive operational efficiency, reliability, and compliance in all AI and digital initiatives. Accountability for defining or providing measurable and significant input into and operational direction and strategy for R&D, as well as for successfully integrating these activities with those within Takeda overall.

• Data Ecosystem Stewardship: Lead the development of secure, scalable data platforms that enable seamless access, integration, and thorough utilization of Takeda’s R&D data assets. Champion the use and reuse of data as a strategic currency to drive scientific discovery, accelerate innovation, and unlock new insights across research and clinical domains. Empower teams to leverage AI-powered analytics for deep exploration, hypothesis generation, and evidence-based decision-making, ensuring data is actively harnessed to advance Takeda’s scientific and therapeutic ambitions.

• Governance & Compliance: Ensure all data and AI initiatives within R&D DDT adhere to global regulatory standards (e.g., HIPAA, GxP), ethical guidelines, and Takeda’s commitment to patient privacy and data integrity.

• Measurement, Reporting & Accountability: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of AI, data, and digital initiatives. Ensure accountability for delivering measurable business value and continuous improvement.

• External Engagement & Thought Leadership: Represent Takeda as a thought leader in the external community. Build strategic partnerships with technology vendors, academic institutions, and industry consortia. Present at key conferences and contribute to advancing Takeda’s reputation in AI and digital innovation.

Qualifications:

Education: 

• PhD or equivalent in Data Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related discipline. 

• MBA or advanced business training preferred.

Experience: 

• 18+ years of progressive leadership in digital, data, technology, or R&D roles within global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare organizations.

• Proven track record of delivering enterprise-scale AI and digital solutions in large, regulated environments.

• Demonstrated success in building and scaling high-performing teams from inception.

• Experience leading large, diverse, and geographically distributed teams in matrixed organizations.

• Deep expertise in emerging technologies (LLMs, generative AI, NLP, advanced analytics) and their application to drug discovery, clinical development, and regulatory science.

Leadership & Influence: 

• Strategic thinker with a focus on operational excellence, talent development, and inclusive leadership.

• Ability to inspire, influence, and align senior leaders across functions and geographies.

• Strong executive presence, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Personal Attributes: 

• Results-driven, pragmatic, and resilient.

• Commitment to Takeda’s values and mission to improve patient lives.

• High integrity and adaptability in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Why Takeda?

This is a tremendous opportunity to lead the AI and digital transformation of Takeda’s R&D DDT organization, driving strategic execution and delivering impact at scale. You will join a company deeply committed to its values—integrity, fairness, honesty, and perseverance—and a culture that prioritizes collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning. At Takeda, you’ll be empowered to make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide, working alongside passionate colleagues who share a dedication to scientific excellence and innovation in pharmaceutical R&D.

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:

$255,800.00 - $401,940.00

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.