AI/ML Lead role at Takeda Japan. Drive AI application in drug discovery (target ID/validation) & build local capabilities. PhD + 8-12+ yrs exp applying ML/DL in life sciences req. Proficiency in PyTorch/TF & multi-omics. #AIinDrugDiscovery #MachineLearning #Bioinformatics #PharmaR&D #JapanJobs #TakedaCareers
Lead the AI/ML Transformation of Drug Discovery in Japan
Position Overview
We are seeking a hands-on, collaborative AI/ML leader to accelerate the adoption and application of AI/ML capabilities at Takeda's Japan research site in Shonan. This role has a dual mandate: 1) to enable AI/ML application directly supporting target identification, validation, and mechanistic understanding, and 2) to build local AI/ML capabilities by mentoring computational teams in modern methods and agentic frameworks.
You will be a key partner within the research organization, bridging cutting-edge AI/ML approaches with the practical realities of drug discovery workflows. You will work closely with discovery scientists and a global computational network to translate innovation into tools that advance research programs.
Key Responsibilities: Strategic Application & Capability Building
1. AI/ML Application to Research & Discovery
- Partner with scientists to apply AI/ML methods (representation learning, predictive modeling, causal inference) across multi-omics, imaging, and clinical data to support target identification and validation.
- Provide hands-on technical guidance across programs, recommending methods, supporting implementation, and ensuring scientific rigor.
- Identify and prioritize high-value opportunities for AI/ML application with research project leaders.
2. Agentic Frameworks & Workflow Automation
- Evaluate, implement, and operationalize agentic AI frameworks (LLM-based research agents, automated literature mining) to accelerate discovery workflows.
- Design and deploy automated workflows that streamline hypothesis generation, experiment design, and data analysis.
- Establish best practices for responsible, reproducible AI use in research.
3. Site Partnership & Global Alignment
- Act as the key AI/ML liaison between the Japan site and global R&D computational functions, ensuring alignment with enterprise strategy.
- Represent site needs in global teams and communicate complex AI/ML concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders.
4. Capability Building & Culture
- Mentor and upskill computational biologists and bioinformaticians in AI/ML methodologies.
- Stay current with cutting-edge AI/ML and translate external innovation into practical applications.
- Champion new, AI-powered ways of working.
Qualifications: The Technical Leader & Bridge-Builder
Required:
- PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related quantitative discipline.
- 8+ years (Associate Director) or 12+ years (Director) of relevant experience applying AI/ML methods to drug discovery or life sciences research.
- Hands-on proficiency with ML/DL frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) and cloud-based compute environments.
- Experience with multi-omics data analysis and integration.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex computational concepts for diverse scientific audiences.
- Effective collaboration skills in matrixed, global environments.
Preferred:
- Familiarity with therapeutic area disease biology relevant to site priorities.
- Working knowledge of LLMs, agentic architectures, and workflow orchestration tools.
- Experience mentoring scientists with varying computational backgrounds.
- Japanese language proficiency and cross-cultural collaboration experience.
Why Build Your AI Career at Takeda Japan?
1. Impact at the Frontier of Science
- Directly shape how AI is applied to discover new therapeutics at a premier R&D site.
- Bridge global AI strategy with local scientific priorities for tangible program impact.
2. Leadership & Growth
- Step into a senior technical leadership role with significant mentorship and strategic influence.
- Work at the intersection of cutting-edge AI/ML technology and deep biological research.
3. Comprehensive Benefits & Work-Life Integration in Japan
- Competitive Compensation: Salary increases annually, bonus twice a year, and various allowances (commutation, housing).
- Generous Leave: Approximately 123 holidays per year, extensive paid leave types (Annual, Special, Family Support, Childcare, Nursing).
- Flexible Work Styles: Flextime and telework options.
- Additional Benefits: Social Insurance, Corporate Pension, Employee Stock Ownership Program.
Locations: Fujisawa, Japan
Worker Type: Employee
Time Type: Full time
Ready to Architect the Future of AI-Powered Drug Discovery in Japan?
If you are an AI/ML leader passionate about applying technical depth to solve real-world biological problems and building team capabilities, we encourage you to apply.
