Are you a computational chemistry expert passionate about driving drug discovery projects from concept to clinic? Join Takeda's innovative discovery team in Fujisawa as a Principal or Senior Scientist. You will be a pivotal leader, applying cutting-edge computational methods—from AI and generative chemistry to free-energy calculations—to advance a diverse portfolio across small molecules, PROTACs, RNA inhibitors, and peptides. This is more than a role; it's an opportunity to build and mentor a high-performing team while shaping the future of our computational platform.
Key Responsibilities
You will work within a world-class, multi-disciplinary team to solve complex discovery challenges. Your core accountabilities include:
Scientific Leadership & Project Impact
- Serve as the computational chemistry expert on cross-functional project teams, providing strategic insight to influence compound design, prioritize targets, and drive decisions.
- Apply a wide array of computational methodologies (e.g., large-scale virtual screening, molecular dynamics, quantum mechanics, pharmacophore modeling) to advance projects from hit identification to clinical candidate selection.
- Develop and implement innovative computational approaches and AI/ML applications to enhance project success and research productivity across multiple therapeutic areas (GPCRs, Kinases, Ion Channels, etc.).
Team Building & Mentorship
- Build, develop, and lead a strong team of computational chemists, fostering a high-performance culture of innovation and collaboration.
- Mentor junior scientists, accurately identifying strengths and development needs to enhance team skills and ensure scientific growth.
- Lead platform initiatives and novel scientific projects that elevate our global computational capabilities.
Collaboration & Communication
- Collaborate seamlessly with medicinal chemists, structural biologists, data scientists, pharmacologists, and biologists across global sites.
- Clearly communicate complex computational strategies and results to both internal teams and external partners through compelling scientific presentations.
- Act as a bridge between disciplines, enabling information sharing and fostering a unified team environment.
Qualifications and Skills
Education & Experience
- PhD in Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, or a directly related field.
- Ideal Candidate: 7+ years of proven, impactful industry experience (pharma/biotech) in computational chemistry for small-molecule drug discovery.
- Demonstrated track record of progressing multiple discovery projects from hits to clinical leads against diverse target classes.
Technical/Functional Expertise
- Expertise in: Generative chemistry, AI/ML applications, free-energy methods, large-scale virtual screening, molecular dynamics, homology modeling, QM/MM, pharmacophore modeling, and cheminformatics.
- Proficiency with state-of-the-art computational chemistry software packages.
- Strong familiarity with organic/synthetic chemistry concepts to enable productive collaboration with medicinal chemistry teams.
- Ability to develop computational strategies to optimize compounds for potency, selectivity, and ADME/Tox properties.
Leadership & Behavioral Competencies
- Visionary leader capable of identifying, planning, and executing novel scientific projects.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to collaborate in a global, matrixed environment.
- Strong presenter with the ability to distill complex data into actionable insights.
Why Join Takeda?
At Takeda, we empower our people to pioneer solutions for patients. In this role, you will find:
- Impact: Directly contribute to discovering life-changing medicines.
- Innovation: Access to cutting-edge tools and the freedom to develop novel computational approaches.
- Growth: Clear career pathways in both scientific and leadership tracks within a global R&D organization.
- Collaboration: Work alongside leading scientists in a truly integrated, multidisciplinary environment.
Takeda’s Commitment to You: Compensation & Benefits
We offer a comprehensive and competitive package in Japan, including:
- Salary & Bonus: Competitive base salary with an annual increase and biannual bonus payments.
- Allowances: Commutation, housing, and overtime allowances.
- Work-Life Harmony:
- Standard Hours: Research site (Kanagawa) core hours are 9:00-17:45, with Flextime and Telework options.
- Generous Leave: Approximately 123 holidays per year (Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, etc.).
- Paid Leave: Extensive system including Annual Paid Leave, Special Paid Leave, Sick Leave, and Family Support (Maternity, Childcare, Nursing) Leave.
- Security & Future:
- Full social insurance.
- Retirement and corporate pension plans.
- Employee Stock Ownership Program.
Ready to apply your computational expertise to shape the future of drug discovery? Apply now to become a key leader in Takeda's Fujisawa team.
Note: Job responsibilities, department, and workplace are subject to change at the company's discretion to meet evolving business needs.
