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Job Description

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. This role has two primary mandates:

Enable AI/ML application to support target identification, validation, and mechanistic understanding across discovery programsBuild local AI/ML capabilities by mentoring computational biologists and bioinformaticians in modern methods and agentic frameworks

You will be a key partner within the research organization, working closely with discovery scientists and a global team of computational, AI, and data scientists to translate cutting-edge AI/ML approaches into practical tools that advance research programs. You will ensure the site can effectively leverage enterprise AI/ML platforms while adapting solutions to local scientific priorities. This role requires a leader who can bridge technical depth with scientific application, understanding both the capabilities of modern AI/ML and the realities of drug discovery workflows.

Key Responsibilities

1. AI/ML Application to Research & Discovery

Partner with computational biologists, bioinformaticians, and experimental scientists to apply AI/ML methods supporting target identification, validation, and mechanistic understandingDrive adoption of modern AI/ML approaches (representation learning, predictive modeling, causal inference) across multi-omics, imaging, clinical, and real-world dataProvide hands-on technical guidance across programs: recommend appropriate methods, support implementation, and review outputs for scientific rigorPartner with research project leaders to identify high-value opportunities for AI/ML application and prioritize efforts

2. Agentic Frameworks & Workflow Automation

Evaluate, implement, and operationalize agentic AI frameworks (e.g., LLM-based research agents, automated literature mining, hypothesis generation pipelines) to accelerate discovery workflowsDesign and deploy automated workflows that chain tools, data sources, and models to streamline hypothesis generation, experiment design, and data analysisEstablish best practices and governance for responsible, reproducible AI use in research applications

3. Site Partnership & Global Alignment

Act as key AI/ML liaison between the Japan site and global R&D computational functions; ensure alignment with enterprise AI strategyRepresent site needs in global project teams and governance forumsCommunicate complex AI/ML concepts clearly to diverse scientific and non-technical stakeholders

4. Capability Building & Culture

Mentor and upskill computational biologists and bioinformaticians in AI/ML methodologies and tool adoptionStay current with cutting-edge AI/ML and discovery technologies; translate external innovation into practical applicationsChampion new ways of working powered by digital, automation, and AI tools

Qualifications

Required:

Expected: PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Computer Science, or related quantitative discipline with 8+ years (AD) / 12+ years (Director) relevant experienceProven track record of applying AI/ML methods to drug discovery or life sciences researchHands-on proficiency with ML/DL frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) and cloud-based compute environmentsExperience with multi-omics data analysis and integrationDemonstrated ability to translate complex computational concepts for diverse scientific audiencesEffective collaboration skills in matrixed, global environments

Preferred:

Familiarity with therapeutic area disease biology relevant to site prioritiesWorking knowledge of LLMs, agentic architectures, and workflow orchestration toolsExperience mentoring scientists with varying computational backgroundsJapanese language proficiency; cross-cultural collaboration experience

Additional Information

The position will be based in Shonan, Japan

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.

LocationsFujisawa, Japan

Worker TypeEmployee

Worker Sub-TypeRegular

Time TypeFull time