Research senior scientist

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Job Description

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 three therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide.

The AI/ML organization at Takeda is building a team to transform how medicines are discovered. Our goal is to apply AI and machine learning across the entire drug discovery process, not just isolated steps, but as an integrated approach from target identification through development. This requires discernment: knowing which models and methods fit each problem, and the creativity to adapt when they don't. We work with foundational models, generative approaches, and autonomous systems, but the tools only matter when paired with people who understand the science deeply enough to use them well. Our team brings together computational scientists, biologists, engineers, and drug hunters. If you want to contribute your expertise to hard problems alongside colleagues with different perspectives, and help shape how AI delivers real impact in drug discovery, we'd like to hear from you

We are seeking a Senior Scientist to lead the design and implementation of AI orchestration systems within the AI/ML Foundation team. This role combines expertise in agentic AI systems, data engineering, and software architecture to build the infrastructure that enables seamless coordination of AI capabilities across Computational Sciences and Global Research. You will be responsible for creating intelligent orchestration layers that connect diverse AI models, data pipelines, and computational resources to accelerate drug discovery across all therapeutic modalities. The ideal candidate brings strong engineering fundamentals with experience in distributed systems and a passion for building scalable AI platforms.

Accountabilities

• Design and implement AI orchestration frameworks that integrate agentic systems, data pipelines, and model serving infrastructure to enable coordinated multi-model workflows.
• Build scalable orchestration layers connecting predictive models, generative models, and foundation models with experimental data sources for end-to-end workflow automation.
• Develop data engineering solutions including data ingestion pipelines, transformation workflows, feature stores, and model serving infrastructure supporting discovery across modalities.
• Create intelligent orchestration systems that coordinate agentic AI components for autonomous task decomposition, tool selection, and execution across scientific domains.
• Establish monitoring, observability, and governance frameworks ensuring reliability, reproducibility, and transparent decision-making across AI systems.
• Partner with computational scientists, data engineers, and research teams to ensure orchestration infrastructure meets the needs of diverse discovery workflows.
• Stay current with advances in agentic AI, workflow orchestration, and distributed systems; evaluate and integrate emerging technologies.

Education & Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Computational Science, or related field with 2+ years relevant experience, OR MS with 6+ years relevant experience.
• Strong software engineering skills with proficiency in Python and experience with distributed systems and cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP).
• Experience with workflow orchestration frameworks (Airflow, Prefect, Dagster, or similar) and data pipeline development.
• Familiarity with agentic AI frameworks (LangChain, AutoGen, or similar) and LLM integration patterns.
• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and microservices architecture.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work across teams in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Preferred

• Experience building AI/ML platforms or infrastructure in pharmaceutical or life sciences settings.
• Familiarity with scientific computing workflows and computational chemistry/biology tools.
• Experience with model serving frameworks (TorchServe, Triton, BentoML) and feature stores.
• Knowledge of monitoring and observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, MLflow).
• Experience with event-driven architectures

Additional Competencies Common In Strong Candidates

• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and mentor junior scientists.
• Experience in translating computational insights into experimental strategies.
• Strong publication record or demonstrated thought leadership in AI for biology and molecular design.
• Comfort working in fast-paced, innovation-driven environments with evolving priorities.

Additional Information

• The position will be based in Cambridge, MA

Takeda Compensation And Benefits Summary

We 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, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range

$137,000.00 - $215,270.00

The 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 Statement

Takeda 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, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

If you have questions about this posting, please contact [email protected]