Senior Director, AIRx Medicinal Chemistry

The Senior Director, AIRx Medicinal Chemistry position is responsible for designing and optimizing drug candidates using deep SAR intuition and multi-parameter optimization, integrating AI/ML-generated design proposals with medicinal chemistry judgment, and partnering closely with Computational Chemistry colleagues to close DMTA cycles rapidly. The role requires a seasoned drug hunter with a strong track record in lead optimization and candidate nomination, experience directing CRO-based chemistry programs, and a working knowledge of AI/ML design tools.

Requirements

• PhD in medicinal chemistry or organic chemistry
• 12-15+ years of drug discovery experience with a strong track record in lead optimization and candidate nomination
• Demonstrated expertise in SAR-driven design, ADME optimization, and multi-parameter optimization across multiple programs
• Experience directing CRO-based chemistry programs; proven vendor oversight and delivery management
• Working knowledge of AI/ML design tools; ability to critically interpret and challenge computational outputs
• Familiarity with structure-based drug design; ability to read and apply protein-ligand structural data
• Experience in one or more therapeutic areas across the Takeda Research portfolio preferred
• Has operated in SWAT team, rapid-response, or focused asset team environments and knows the difference between productive urgency and firefighting — and thrives in the former

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k) plan and company match
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Basic life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Paid volunteer time off
• Company holidays
• Well-being benefits