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Principal Scientist, Target Validation Sciences (Oncology), Research

Fujisawa, Kanagawa
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  • Job Type: Full Time
  • Job Level: Senior
  • Travel: Minimal (if any)

At Takeda, we strive to provide transformational opportunities for every member of our team, and we empower our people to take charge of their futures. In an environment that fosters lifelong learning and a growth mindset, you’ll have the support you need to thrive — at work and beyond.

Job ID R0153314 Date posted 06/10/2025 Location Fujisawa, Kanagawa

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Job Description

”Better Health for People, Brighter Future for the World” is the purpose of a company. We aim to create a diverse and inclusive organization where people can thrive, grow and realize their own potential while enabling our purpose. We continue to innovate and drive changes that will transform the lives of patients. We’re looking for like-minded professionals to join us.

Takeda is a global values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader. We are guided by our values of Takeda-ism, which has been passed down since the company’s founding. Takeda-ism incorporates Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance, with Integrity at the core. They are brought to life through actions based on Patient-Trust-Reputation-Business, in this order.

The purpose of the Target Validation Sciences (TVS) is to drive pipeline value creation and acceleration by collaborating closely with Drug Discovery Units (DDUs) and other platform functions. It focuses on validating innovative drug targets using cutting-edge biological platforms that reflect relevant human biology.

  • Primarily drive early drug discovery projects by designing and conducting experiments, developing complex assays, and providing strategic input to advance innovation in oncology research.

  •  Lead lab-related activities, mentor junior scientists, and establish strong relationships with internal and external partners to achieve project goals and enhance productivity.

  • Stay at the forefront of scientific advancements, generate new ideas, and contribute to decision-making processes to support the discovery of novel therapies and expand the global Takeda Oncology pipeline. 

  • Integrate advanced technologies, deliver comprehensive reports, and actively contribute to the growth and development of the team and organization.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Play a central role in designing and conducting critical experiments for target validation for oncology, cross-functionally working with Oncology DDU and other teams across Japan and US

  • Independently develop and validate relevant complex assays for drug discovery and target validation with minimal supervision

  • Contribute to strategic input and participate in decision-making processes in drug discovery projects, identifying opportunities to advance global Takeda Oncology pipeline

  • Constantly propose new ideas to drive projects forward, ensuring high scientific standards and innovation

  • Maintain a high level of expertise by staying updated on current scientific advancements and emerging technologies

  • Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external partners, enhancing collaboration and scientific impact

  • Prepare and present written reports of work to communicate findings and progress effectively

  • Mentor and develop junior staff members, fostering an environment of growth and scientific excellence

  • May participate in the evaluation of external collaboration opportunities

Target Validation Sciences (TVS) の使命は、最先端の研究プラットフォームを活用し、革新的な創薬ターゲットを検証することで、創薬における価値創出とその加速を推進することです。

主に以下のような活動を行います:

  • 初期の創薬プロジェクトにおいて、戦略的な意見を提供するとともに、実験のデザイン・実施および意思決定の責任を担い、最先端の技術を駆使して複雑なアッセイを開発し、がん研究におけるイノベーションを推進する

  • プロジェクトにおける目標を達成するために、生産性を向上させ、ラボにおける活動をリードし、若手研究者を指導し、社内外のパートナーと強固な関係性を築く

  • 常に進歩するサイエンスの最前線に立ち続け、革新的なアイデアを創出し、新しい創薬ターゲットの評価の意思決定プロセスに貢献する

  • 最先端技術を統合するとともに、タイムリーに包括的なレポートを提供し、組織の成長と発展に積極的に貢献する

業務内容

  • がん領域におけるターゲットバリデーションのための重要な実験のデザインおよび実施において中心的な役割を果たす

  • ターゲットバリデーションのための複雑な試験系の開発を、上長の包括的な指示の下、最小限の監督下で行う

  • グローバルなタケダ・オンコロジーのパイプラインを発展させる機会を特定し、創薬プロジェクトにおける戦略構築に貢献するとともに、意思決定プロセスに参画する

  • 創薬プロジェクトを推進するために常に新しいアイデアを提案し、高い科学水準と革新性を担保する

  • 最新の科学的進歩や新たな技術に関する最新情報の入手を通じて、高い専門性の維持に努める

  • 社内外のパートナーとの生産的な関係を構築・維持し、コラボレーションと科学的なインパクトを高める

  • 実験結果やプロジェクトの進捗状況を効果的に伝えるため、業務報告書を作成・提示する

  • 若手研究員の指導と育成を行い、その成長と科学的卓越性を育む環境を醸成する

  • 外部研究機関との共同研究の機会探索・評価に参加する

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ph.D. or M.Sc. in a relevant scientific field such as cell biology, molecular biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.

  • Expertise in oncology and cancer biology.

  • Experience in gene modification experiments, including cell culture, viral transduction, and in vitro/in vivo modelling.

  • Experience in single-cell and spatial multi-omics is preferred.

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

  • Understanding of data management and analysis.

  • Effective work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment.

  • Communication skills in both English and Japanese, organizational skills, and team collaboration.

  • Familiarity with bioinformatics and proficient use of scientific databases is a plus.

応募要件

  • 細胞生物学、分子生物学、薬理学、生化学、または関連分野での博士または修士

  • 腫瘍学および腫瘍細胞生物学の専門知識

  • 遺伝子改変実験、細胞培養、ウイルス感染、およびin vitro/in vivoモデル構築の経験

  • 論理的思考能力及び問題解決能力

  • データ管理および複雑な解析に関する理解力

  • グローバルな協力的環境における効果的な作業能力

  • 日本語と英語でのコミュニケーション能力

  • 追加で歓迎するスキル:

    1. シングルセルおよび空間的マルチオミクスの経験 

    2. バイオインフォマティクスや公共データベースの活用経験

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.

Locations

Fujisawa, Japan

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time
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Where you fit in

Our team at Takeda is tackling some of the most challenging problems in drug discovery and development. As the newest member of our Research team, you’ll conduct purposeful, meaningful work on groundbreaking modalities that may lead to breakthrough drugs.

With our deep investment in next-generation technologies, you’ll have the resources and support to do your best work. As a part of our team, you’ll connect with brilliant minds inside and outside of Takeda. We are committed to collaborating with academia and emerging biotech companies to expand our reach and impact in cell therapy, gene therapy and data sciences.

Our team’s wide-ranging expertise includes medicinal chemistry, genomics datasets, immunofluorescence, high content imaging, flow cytometry, transcriptional profiling, multi-step synthesis, multimodal genetics, pharmacokinetics and much more. Whatever area inspires you, your work will support the progression of an innovative, industry-leading discovery pipeline and make an impact that matters to patients and society.

A career in Research at Takeda will give you everything you need to succeed professionally — and make a difference to patients, people and the planet.

  • Design and carry out experiments

  • Manage multiple projects

  • Document data

  • Mentor other scientists

Along with incredibly passionate colleagues, there’s a clear commitment to invest in the best facilities and the right equipment needed to successfully perform world-class science.

Christina Alves - Head of Biotherapeutics Process Development

Our pipeline

Our internal research capabilities and external partnerships contribute to an R&D engine that has produced exciting new molecular entities (NMEs) across our core Therapeutic Areas. Check out our pipeline and see how we’ll continue delivering a steady stream of next-generation therapies.

Learn more

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 2024.
  • 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.

Exterior of Takeda Building

About our location

Fujisawa, Kanagawa


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