Director, Computational Biology

Takeda • Boston, MA

5d

About The Position

Objective / Purpose: The Director, Oncology Computational Biology will be a key member of the Computational Biology and Human Genetics (CBHG) team, within the Computational Science and Data Strategy department. The Director will be a hands-on expert in cancer genetics/genomics and computational oncology, and will drive oncology Target ID and validation, drug discovery, and indication selection in a cross-functional environment comprised of cancer biologists, drug discovery experts, translational scientists, AI/ML experts, and many others. The Director will be responsible for establishing rigorous frameworks for high-dimensional data analysis, executing analyses to generate insights across the Oncology Research portfolio, and shaping the oncology data and analytics environment to be broadly deployed to Takeda’s Oncology Research community. Accountabilities: As a recognized expert in cancer genetics and -omics, and in computational methods for harnessing high-dimensional oncology-relevant data, set strategy and generate rigorous insights impacting all stages of the Oncology Research (Drug Discovery Unit) portfolio Design and implement computational approaches to systematically identify, evaluate, and prioritize new cancer drug targets and their potential indications Design and implement computational biology approaches to evaluate the suitability of targeting approaches and of therapeutic leads Drive the development of Takeda’s oncology data ecosystem. Identify gaps and opportunities to fill them, including by external collaboration, as needed. Work closely with data science and engineering colleagues to deploy data and analytical techniques to the Oncology Research community, to democratize the rigorous generation of insights Work closely with AI/ML teams to define and implement cutting-edge AI models, including LLMs and biological foundation models, which help generate novel insights rooted in well-curated data and rigorous statistical approaches Manage resources and priorities in complex, multi-disciplinary teams Communicate complex results to diverse audiences, including bench scientists, portfolio managers, and senior leadership

Requirements

• PhD in Computational Biology or a related discipline, plus 10+ years of experience
• Recognized expert in cancer genetics/genomics and oncology computational biology
• Expertise in machine learning and complex algorithms required, with experience in AI/LLMs/biological foundation models preferred
• Industry experience supporting target ID and/or drug discovery preferred
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects in a matrix environment
• Strong organizational skills; ability to set priorities and meet program objectives and timelines
• Strong written and oral communication skills to diverse audiences

Responsibilities

• Set strategy and generate rigorous insights impacting all stages of the Oncology Research (Drug Discovery Unit) portfolio
• Design and implement computational approaches to systematically identify, evaluate, and prioritize new cancer drug targets and their potential indications
• Design and implement computational biology approaches to evaluate the suitability of targeting approaches and of therapeutic leads
• Drive the development of Takeda’s oncology data ecosystem. Identify gaps and opportunities to fill them, including by external collaboration, as needed.
• Work closely with data science and engineering colleagues to deploy data and analytical techniques to the Oncology Research community, to democratize the rigorous generation of insights
• Work closely with AI/ML teams to define and implement cutting-edge AI models, including LLMs and biological foundation models, which help generate novel insights rooted in well-curated data and rigorous statistical approaches
• Manage resources and priorities in complex, multi-disciplinary teams
• Communicate complex results to diverse audiences, including bench scientists, portfolio managers, and senior leadership

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree