Skip to main content
Job Posting

Head of Research Quality

Boston, Massachusetts
Apply Now
  • Job Level: Senior
  • Travel: Minimal (if any)

Takeda has been translating science into breakthrough medicines for 240 years. Every step of the way, our teams have worked together to tackle some of the most challenging problems in drug discovery and development. Today, we’re a driving force behind innovative therapies that make a lasting difference to millions of patients around the world.

In R&D, all of our history and potential comes together in an environment that welcomes diversity of thought and amplifies every voice. Working closely with colleagues, you’ll play a key role in bringing our rich pipeline of products forward to help patients. Come join a team that’s earned trust for more than two centuries, and find out how advancing transformative therapies at Takeda will shape your bright future.

Job ID R0165325 Date posted 10/15/2025 Location Boston, Massachusetts

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:

The Head of Research Quality holds the highest leadership role within the Research Quality organization and serves as a key member of the R&D Quality leadership team. This executive is fully accountable for defining and executing the global strategic vision for Research Quality, overseeing a global team of experienced subject-matter experts dedicated to ensuring integrity, compliance, and ethical excellence in non-clinical research activities, studies, and processes supporting Takeda’s R&D pipeline. Through strategic leadership, impactful stakeholder engagement, and championing an enterprise-wide quality culture, the Head of Research Quality drives organizational success and reinforces Takeda’s commitment to industry-leading standards.

Accountabilities:

  • Establish and implement a comprehensive global strategic vision for Research Quality, ensuring sustained and impactful contributions to the enterprise. Align this vision with the overarching goals of Research and R&D Quality leadership.
  • Design oversight strategies and effectively deploy resources to mitigate compliance risks for Research non-clinical studies conducted externally in non-OECD Mutual Acceptance of Data system countries.
  • Cultivate influential relationships with key stakeholders to maintain an in-depth understanding of R&D and Research strategies. Leverage this insight to proactively anticipate and address impacts on Research Quality, driving business growth and success.
  • Direct the Research Quality function in designing, implementing, and refining processes that ensure Takeda’s non-clinical Research activities are conducted with the highest integrity and compliance with Takeda standards and global regulatory requirements.
  • Architect strategies to foster a culture of continuous improvement, leading initiatives across internal stakeholder groups to uphold quality, compliance, and data integrity throughout Research programs and projects.
  • Spearhead digital transformation and the adoption of cutting-edge science and technology to support data-driven processes and decision-making within Research Quality.
  • Mentor and empower direct and indirect reports across Research Quality, promoting personal development and driving high-performance teams.
  • Develop and sustain collaborative relationships with Research leaders to facilitate productive discussions and align strategies and priorities.
  • Provide strategic oversight to enhance capabilities, mechanisms, and processes for proactive quality risk management across the global Research organization’s activities and programs.
  • Maintain and expand knowledge of global regulatory requirements and trends, identifying gaps and implementing solutions to position Takeda at the forefront of industry expectations.
  • Implement strategies for the ongoing development and success of Research Quality, including talent development, succession planning, resource allocation, and budget management, aligning initiatives with R&D Quality and Global Quality.
  • Offer strategic input to the R&D Quality Leadership team on key goals, initiatives, resource planning, and budgetary considerations, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Drive strategic alignment and successful achievement of shared goals through collaboration with other functions in R&D Quality and Global Quality.
  • Identify areas of risk and improvement, presenting solutions to address these challenges effectively.
  • Undertake additional duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success of the organization.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

  • Minimum requirements:
    • Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering or related field
    • 12+ years of increasing responsibility and experience in the biopharma/biotech industry
    • 8+ years of Quality/Compliance experience
    • Prior management experience

  • Preferred requirements:
    • Advanced degree in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering or related field
    • Experience working in biopharmaceutical research

  • Desired skills & competencies
    • In-depth knowledge of global regulations governing biopharmaceutical research, with the ability to effectively translate and articulate strategies to ensure compliance.
    • Proven leadership, collaboration, and influencing skills, coupled with a demonstrated ability to solve problems and drive impactful change.
    • Proficiency in working with diverse individuals across all organizational levels.
    • Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, enabling successful interaction with internal stakeholders and vendors.
    • Adaptability and flexibility to thrive in dynamic environments, along with the ability to manage and deliver multiple projects on time.
    • Strong attention to detail and organizational expertise, with a capacity to work independently across global settings and navigate organizational complexities.

#GMSGQ #ZR1 #LI-LR1

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.
Apply Now
During my 20-year journey here, I’ve been fully supported by my colleagues, and I can’t say enough about our rich internal talent and the long-standing values that drive our decisions as we work to develop important medicines for the patients we serve.

Doug Coffman - Head, R&D Asset Transition & Integration Office, R&D Regional & Business Operations

When making any type of decision, the first thing we ask is 'how will this impact patients?’ Ultimately, we’re laser focused on the best interests of the patient, and I truly believe we follow through on that.

Meredith Culp - VP, Head of Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Strategy & Operations and Head of Global Development Integration Office

Our culture and shared values make us like a family here at Takeda. It doesn't feel like work when you're doing something you love with people you love, and when your outcome is really fantastic.

Alison Handley, Head, Center for External Innovation

The heart of our work

Shining a light on new perspectives

What we believe in

Our values of Takeda-ism are Integrity, Fairness, Honesty and Perseverance, with Integrity as the core. These are brought to life through actions based on Patient, Trust, Reputation and Business, in that order.

Our belief in putting people first extends beyond our patients — it includes their families and communities, as well as our Takeda colleagues and their families.

We are committed to embracing our differences, valuing different perspectives, and fostering a culture of respect, inclusiveness and empowerment.

Our embedded Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) strategy enables us to attract and retain exceptional talent, drives innovation, and helps address systemic inequalities in our communities.

  • Integrity

  • Fairness

  • Honesty

  • Perseverance

Working at Takeda

  • Inclusion

    Here, you will feel welcomed, respected, and valued as a vital contributor to our global team.
  • Collaboration

    A strong, borderless team, we strive together towards our priorities and inspiring mission.
  • Innovation

    Bold initiatives, continuous improvement, and creativity are at the heart of how we bring scientific breakthroughs from the lab to patients.
  • Top Workplace

    Recognized for our culture and way of working, we’re one of only 17 companies to receive Top Global Employer® status for 2025.
  • Work-Life

    Our people-first mission extends beyond patients to include their families, communities, and our own Takeda family.
  • Empowerment

    Through trust and respect, you will have genuine support from leaders, managers, and colleagues to do your best work.

We're Steadfast In Our Commitment to Four Key Imperatives

Patient


Responsibly translate science into highly innovative medicines and accelerate access to improve lives worldwide.

People


Create an exceptional people experience.

Planet


Protect our planet.

Data & Digital


Transform Takeda into the most trusted, data-driven, outcomes-based biopharmaceutical company.

Jobs for you

View More Jobs
Exterior of Takeda Building

About our location

Boston, Massachusetts


View Map of Boston, Massachusetts