Principal Scientist, Cell assay automation Full-time

Principal Scientist

“Better Health for People, Brighter Future for the World” is the purpose of a company. We aim to create a diverse and inclusive organization where people can thrive, grow and realize their own potential while enabling our purpose. We continue to innovate and drive changes that will transform the lives of patients. We’re looking for like-minded professionals to join us.

Takeda is a global values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader. We are guided by our values of Takeda-ism, which has been passed down since the company’s founding. Takeda-ism incorporates integrity, fairness, honesty, and perseverance, with integrity at the core. They are brought to life through actions based on patient-trust-reputation-business, in this order.

The Principal Scientist will play a key role in building the next generation of Takeda’s automation-enabled research environment in Target Validation Sciences Unit. This position drives the design, implementation, and optimization of automated and digital experimental workflows that enable high-quality, scalable data generation to accelerate target validation and translational decision-making. Working at the intersection of biology, technology, and data, this role transforms complex experimental workflows into reproducible, automation-ready systems, directly supporting Takeda’s future-focused, AI/ML-driven R&D strategy.

Accountabilities:

• Automation and Workflow Development: Design, implement, and optimize automated laboratory workflows that accelerate hypothesis testing, enhance reproducibility, and improve throughput across therapeutic areas that Takeda focuses on, such as Oncology, GI & inflammation and Neuroscience.
• Digital and Data Integration: Develop and integrate digital lab systems and intelligent instrumentation to ensure seamless data capture, traceability, and interoperability across platforms.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Computational Sciences (CS), Drug Discovery Units (DDU), and pre-PS teams to align automation and data workflows with AI/ML-driven discovery and validation initiatives.
• Innovation and Technology Advancement: Evaluate, prototype, and deploy emerging automation technologies and digital tools that improve experimental scalability, precision, and translational relevance.
• Scientific and Technical Leadership: Provide mentorship and technical guidance to scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• External Engagement: Collaborate with external technology providers, CROs, and academic partners to implement next-generation automation solutions and maintain visibility into evolving trends in digital science.
• Data Integrity and Compliance: Ensure experimental workflows and digital systems meet Takeda’s standards for quality, reproducibility, and data integrity, aligned with global R&D strategy.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral): Ph.D. in Biology, Engineering, Automation, or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience; or M.S. with 5+ years of hands-on lab automation experience in a research or pharmaceutical setting. Proven expertise in automation of cell-based assays, molecular biology workflows, or high-content screening. Experience integrating digital lab systems like LIMS, ELN, and data pipelines with automated platforms is preferred. Strong understanding of AI/ML applications in experimental design and data analysis is preferred. Exceptional communication, project management, and collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams.

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.

Locations

Fujisawa, Japan

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time