Senior Director, AIRx Medicinal Chemistry

Senior Director, AIRx Medicinal Chemistry

Purpose

• Lead medicinal chemistry design at speed using AI-enabled molecular design; evaluate generative proposals, apply deep SAR judgment, and direct CRO synthesis to rapidly close DMTA cycles.

Accountabilities / Responsibilities

• Design and optimize drug candidates using SAR, multi-parameter optimization, and ADME-embedded design.
• Critically evaluate AI/ML-generated proposals; integrate computational outputs with medicinal chemistry judgment.
• Partner with Computational Chemistry to close DMTA cycles; help define next design iterations.
• Provide strategic oversight of CRO synthesis programs (compound lists, synthetic routes, quality and delivery timelines).
• Embed selectivity, developability, and IP considerations from the outset.
• Interpret X-ray/cryo-EM structural biology data to guide optimization.
• Stay current on emerging chemical matter and methods; proactively apply new approaches.
• Contribute to AI/ML training datasets via standardized, decision-ready capture of experimental data.

Qualifications & Competencies

• PhD in medicinal or organic chemistry.
• 12–15+ years drug discovery experience; strong lead optimization and candidate nomination track record.
• Expertise in SAR-driven design, ADME optimization, and multi-parameter optimization across programs.
• Experience directing CRO-based chemistry programs (vendor oversight and delivery management).
• Working knowledge of AI/ML design tools; ability to challenge computational outputs.
• Structure-based drug design experience; ability to read protein–ligand structural data.
Therapeutic area experience across Takeda Research portfolio preferred. Thrives in SWAT/rapid-response/focused asset environments; prefers productive urgency over firefighting.