Associate Scientific Director, Target Validation Sciences, Research

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Job Description

Please note this job requires business level Japanese in speaking, writing, and reading

タケダの紹介

タケダは「世界中の人々の健康と輝かしい未来に貢献する」ことを企業の存在意義（パーパス）としています。そして目指す未来を共有しながら、一人ひとりが自分の可能性を引き出し、お互いの個性を認め合う、多様性にあふれた先進的な組織作りに取り組んでいます。私たちと一緒に、世界中の人々のいのちに貢献し、さらなる成長と活躍を目指しませんか。

タケダはグローバルな研究開発型のバイオ医薬品のリーディングカンパニーです。従業員は創業時から受け継いできたタケダの価値観であるタケダイズム（誠実＝公正・正直・不屈）を道しるべとしながら、患者さんに寄り添い（Patient）人々と信頼関係を築き（Trust）社会的評価を向上させ（Reputation）持続可能な事業を発展させる（Business）を日々の行動指針としています。

Target Validation Sciences (TVS) drives pipeline value creation and acceleration by collaborating with Computational Sciences (CS) and aligning with Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) therapeutic strategies across oncology, neuroscience, gastrointestinal, and inflammation areas.
TVS validates drug targets using advanced biological platforms reflecting human biology, consistently delivering high-quality program starts to support Takeda’s goal of 5–7 high-quality INDs annually.

This position plays a key role in validating therapeutic concepts in neuroscience, fostering collaboration internally and externally to establish innovative platforms and generate program starts with minimal attrition.

Accountabilities:

• Design and execute target validation studies leveraging neuroscience expertise (e.g., dementia, ALS) in collaboration with CS and DDU teams.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to apply cutting-edge technologies such as iPSC-derived neuron models, clinical samples, AI/ML, and automation.
• Provide strategic and scientific leadership for neuroscience target validation, ensuring high-confidence approaches and program success.
• Integrate insights from internal data, external collaborations, and literature to generate innovative concepts and methodologies.
• Lead scientific discussions and act as a recognized neuroscience expert across cross-functional teams.
• Communicate goals and progress effectively, ensuring alignment and timely delivery of objectives.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an open and innovative research culture.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in a relevant field (cell/molecular biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, etc.); neuroscience expertise required.
• Post-doctoral or relevant industry experience preferred.
• Strong background in neuroscience and drug discovery, with proficiency in in vitro/in vivo preclinical models.
• Proven track record (publications, patents) and project leadership experience.
• Working knowledge of cutting-edge technologies (e.g., iPSC models, multi-omics, AI/ML-assisted target identification, automation).
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across global teams.
• Strategic thinker with problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Fluent in Japanese; English proficiency a plus.

Click here to find out Takeda’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Better Health, Brighter Future

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary:

• Allowances: Commutation, Housing, Overtime Work etc.

• Salary Increase: Annually, Bonus Payment: Twice a year

• Working Hours: Headquarters (Osaka/ Tokyo) 9:00-17:30, Production Sites (Osaka/ Yamaguchi) 8:00-16:45, (Narita) 8:30-17:15, Research Site (Kanagawa) 9:00-17:45

• Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, May Day, Year-End Holidays etc. (approx. 123 days in a year)

• Paid Leaves: Annual Paid Leave, Special Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Family Support Leave, Maternity Leave, Childcare Leave, Family Nursing Leave.

• Flexible Work Styles: Flextime, Telework

• Benefits: Social Insurance, Retirement and Corporate Pension, Employee Stock Ownership Program, etc.

Important Notice concerning working conditions:

• It is possible the job scope may change at the company’s discretion.

• It is possible the department and workplace may change at the company’s discretion.

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