Director, Automation Lead (Labs of Tomorrow) - Takeda Shonan (TSHO)

Takeda · Fujisawa

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Job Description

Objective / Purpose:

The Director, Automation Lead will provide strategic and technical leadership to build and scale “Labs of Tomorrow” capabilities at TSHO. This role is accountable for establishing the automation vision and roadmap, delivering fully automated and miniaturized assay workflows, and evolving the enabling digital ecosystem (robotics integration, scheduling, automated analytics, and LIMS connectivity). As a senior change agent in a matrixed organization, the Director will align stakeholders globally, drive new ways of working, and ensure sustainable adoption and impact.

Accountabilities:                               

1) Strategic Leadership & Change Agent

• Own and drive the Labs of Tomorrow automation strategy for TSHO, translating scientific priorities into a multi-year roadmap (platform choices, capability build, resourcing approach, and value cases).
• Act as a senior change agent: define and implement new operating models (automation uptake/prioritization, governance, standards, and training) to accelerate adoption.
• Influence senior stakeholders; create alignment across functions on objectives, timing, and measures of success.
• Leveraging deep expertise in laboratory automation, AI-enabled research, and emerging technology trends, provide the Research Leadership Team (RLT) with strategic insights, data-driven recommendations, and a forward-looking perspective on technology and investment opportunities. Guide capital and facility investment decisions by assessing future technological developments, evolving research portfolio needs, and alignment with business strategy. Through these efforts, strengthen research capabilities, accelerate innovation, and drive the successful implementation of Takeda’s automation and AI-driven discovery agenda
• Lead the development and execution of Research Japan’s automation strategy while serving as Takeda’s senior thought leader across industry, academia, and government. Drive strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in Japan and globally, including Shonan iPark, the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA), relevant government ministries, and other external organizations, influencing the broader research ecosystem to accelerate the advancement of AI-driven drug discovery and laboratory automation in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including Global Regions and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

2) Assay Development for Fully Automated Systems Leadership

• Provide scientific leadership for the development of robust, miniaturized, fully automated assays from feasibility through transfer into routine execution.
• Set assay design standards for automation compatibility and readiness, including liquid handling compatibility, robustness/DoE approaches, statistical measures and define acceptance criteria.
• Develop a unique lab automation business framework that maximizes opportunities in Japan while leveraging technical and operational harmonization with platforms established in the United States.

3) Robotics, Integration & Miniaturization (to 1536-well)

• Lead selection, implementation, and optimization of fit-for-purpose automated robotic platforms; define integration architecture with peripheral devices and software schedulers.
• Own miniaturization strategy down to 1536-well, optimizing plate layouts, and ensuring reliable QC performance.
• Define and monitor automation KPIs (throughput, success rate, walkaway time, utilization, variability/CVs, downtime causes) and drive continuous improvement.
• Proactively explore innovative, cutting-edge technologies that support self-driving laboratories and end-to-end integration, including Direct-to-Biology.

4) Digital Enablement: Automated Analytics & LIMS

• Drive implementation of automated data analysis pipelines (QC, normalization, curve fitting as applicable, trending, and reporting) to minimize manual steps and improving traceability and robustness.
• Partner with digital/data organizations to integrate assay data & associated metadata into LIMS/ELN systems.

5) Matrix Leadership, Vendor Management & Capability Building

• Lead cross-functional teams in a matrix environment spanning assay scientists, automation engineers, software/data, lab operations, and external partners.
• Partner with USA-based automation leadership and teams to drive a seamless and unified automation strategy across multiple sites
• Own vendor selection and strategy for the local environment.
• Develop experienced local talent with expertise in the multidisciplinary nature of lab automation while fostering a mindset of “no automation for automation’s sake.”

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in life sciences, bioengineering, chemical engineering, automation/robotics, or related field; or equivalent experience with demonstrated senior-level impact.
• Significant leadership experience delivering automation programs in laboratory environments, including leading through influence in matrixed organizations.
• Recognized expertise in assay development for fully automated systems. Strong working knowledge of a wide range of assay technologies which are typically leveraged in an automated environment.
• Extensive hands-on and/or program leadership experience with robotic automation platforms and miniaturized assays.
• Significant experience with automated data analysis platforms and LIMS/ELN integration to enable scalable workflows.
• Outstanding communication skills (senior stakeholder updates, technical documentation, cross-functional facilitation, and team coaching).

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.

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