Director, Antibody / Protein Engineering and Optimization

Company: Initial Therapeutics, Inc.
Location: Boston
Posted on: March 31, 2025

Job Description:

By clicking the "Apply" button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda's and . I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.Job DescriptionAbout the role:At Takeda, we are a forward-looking, world-class R&D organization that unlocks innovation and delivers transformative therapies to patients. By focusing R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible in order to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide.Join Takeda as a Director, Antibody / Protein Engineering and Optimization where you will be a crucial addition to the Global Biologics Department, leading the protein and antibody engineering team using state-of-the-art methodologies. You will have extensive scientific and managerial expertise to strategically guide the team toward Research objectives, operational efficiency, and scientific excellence, with a direct impact on multiple programs within the Research pipeline. You will also recognize and streamline for the most efficient ways of working, which is a high priority in this role, and requires tremendous drive and motivation to deliver (and beat) team and program goals, while also pushing the boundaries to enhance discovery and optimization. It is critical to work and network excellently within the team for best performance and team engagement. The primary goal for the team is the design and engineering core, the output of which is impactful contributions to biologics therapeutics (potency/affinity modulation, developability enhancement, bispecific design, library design), and to the creation and improvement of current discovery and engineering platforms. Here, you will work tightly with the in-house AI/ML team to lead the direction and integration of computational approaches such that these methods become the new paradigm for de-risking candidates to accelerate the identification of the best viable therapeutics.As part of the Biotherapeutic Engineering team, you will report to the Head of the team and proactively engage with, and be deeply involved, including serving as biologics lead on programs across all our 3 disease areas (Oncology; Gastrointestinal and Neuroscience). You will define a clear strategy with a significant innovative mindset to enable efficient and smart workflows as well as modernize the group in all aspects of identifying best practices and internalization of such methods. Bringing a track record of driving programs to IND with proactive engagement and accountability in program project teams provides the environment whereby the progress of programs from discovery to development can be streamlined by impactful insights and efficient execution. You will be deeply embedded with cross-functional partners both within the Global Biologics and Research team, leading with a fully collaborative spirit, drive, enterprise mindset, and a team-centric and inspiring attitude.How you will contribute:

• Scientific Leader:
  • Set high standards for effectiveness of execution and rigor of thought. Have in-depth and currently relevant knowledge of antibody/biologic-based discovery, optimization/engineering approaches using in silico computational approaches. Positively influence the Department with this knowledge.
  • Recognize and streamline for the most efficient ways of working, which is a high priority in this role, and have tremendous drive and motivation to deliver (and beat) team and program goals, while also pushing the boundaries to enhance discovery and optimization.
  • Work closely with and strongly influence the internal Global Biologics teams such as wet lab discovery, NGS, AI/ML groups, to best strategize for and lead for change in the establishment of the best feedback loop of discovery/optimization for therapeutics application of scientific expertise in the review of wet-lab and in silico data with team members.
  • Design maturation libraries for display platforms (affinity/potency/stability) leveraging datasets, experience, and state-of-the-art software to improve lead candidates.
  • Contribute to continual deepening of expertise through external network development, evaluating new opportunities in partnership with business development.
  • Program Leader:
    • Lead biologics programs from discovery to IND, integrating early research, progression through candidate nomination and selection.
    • Detailed knowledge of the full biologics process from discovery to pre-IND.
    • Ambassador for the biologics department, scientifically inputting to the project teams.
    • Exceptionally collaborative mindset with interaction with internal/external groups for high efficiency and transparency to enable swift progression of molecules.
    • People Leader:
      • Organizational leader who has accountability for the performance and results of the core research function with managerial responsibility for a group of skilled members.
      • Use an enterprise mindset with a broad view across the portfolio that informs resourcing and prioritization of programs under direct remit.
      • Empowerment to lead a small team of highly qualified and skilled scientists in their mission to generate therapeutic biologics.
      • Develop the next generation of organizational and project leaders, acting as a champion of new opportunities. Team-centric mindset, inspiring and growing team members, while serving as a role model and mentor.
      • Responsible for effective resourcing within the team to drive programs forward in an efficient manner.
      • Lead the team through in-lab presence, designing and efficiently executing discovery/optimization campaigns including affinity maturation and developability; technology development.
      • Other:
        • Excellent knowledge of data analysis tools to ensure thorough evaluation of datasets and information based on next step decisions.
        • High level of diligence in all data tracking, uploading, and recording using data management systems within the department.
        • Key involvement and due diligence for external interactions, collaborations, and workflows where appropriate.
        • Contribution to the preparation of patents, documentation for IND, and publications.Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:
          • PhD degree in a scientific discipline with 10+ years of experience, or MS with 16+ years of experience, or BS with 18+ years of experience.
          • 9 years of Industry experience required.
          • 9 years of managerial experience required.
          • Outstanding expertise and depth of knowledge within a scientific area. Keeps up with the up-to-date scientific advancement (e.g. competitive landscape, new technology, new research portfolio, and new partnership).More about us:At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best-in-class patient support programs. Takeda is a patient-focused company that will inspire and empower you to grow through life-changing work.Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.#LI-SGM#LI-OnsiteTakeda Compensation and Benefits SummaryWe understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.For Location:Boston, MAU.S. Base Salary Range:169,400.00 - 266,200.00The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.U.S.-based employees may be eligible for short-term and/or long-term incentives. 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.EEO StatementTakeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.Locations: Boston, MAWorker Type: EmployeeWorker Sub-Type: RegularTime Type: Full timeJob Exempt: Yes
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Keywords: Initial Therapeutics, Inc., Boston , Director, Antibody / Protein Engineering and Optimization, Executive , Boston, Massachusetts