Head of Automated Small Molecule Synthesis
Core
Leading the strategy and execution of fully automated, robotic small molecule synthesis platforms to accelerate AI-integrated Design–Make–Test–Analyze (DMTA) cycles for rapid drug discovery.
Role type
Director-level Head of Automated Small Molecule Synthesis
Builds
Automated synthesis workflows, robotic reaction screening, parallel synthesis, and purification systems for Takeda's Discovery Automation & Robotics initiative.
Domain
Pharmaceutical R&D, small-molecule discovery, chemical automation, AI-driven design-make-test-analyze loops.
Deliverable
production ML models | product features
Required skills
Deep medicinal chemistry knowledge (SAR, SBDD, cheminformatics, ADME/PK), building and scaling lab/chemical process automation, leading cross-functional R&D teams, proficiency with automated synthesis platforms (robotic reaction screening, parallel synthesis, purification), experience with AI-driven DMTA and autonomous design-make loops, familiarity with scheduling software, LIMS/ELN, and data pipeline tools.
Preferred skills
Experience with liquid-handling robotics, continuous flow, microreactors, smart reactors, generative chemistry tools, high-throughput experimentation (HTE), flow chemistry, automated purification, ELN/LIMS integration, scheduling/orchestration systems.
Technologies
Robotic reaction screening, parallel synthesis, purification systems (flash/Prep-HPLC), liquid-handling robotics, continuous flow, microreactors, smart reactors, generative chemistry tools, ELN/LIMS, scheduling/orchestration systems.
Responsibilities
Define and execute automation strategy aligning with discovery goals; prioritize automation investments in equipment, software, and talent; establish closed-loop DMTA vision integrating robotics, digital data capture, and AI/ML; design end-to-end automated workflows for reaction scouting, parallel synthesis, scale-out, and purification; standardize method libraries and digital SOPs; continuously evaluate and integrate new technologies; accelerate DMTA cycles through HTE and automated purification; drive reliability engineering, preventive maintenance, and EHS/machine safety/cybersecurity integration; scale workflows from prototype to routine; engage externally through patents, publications, and presentations.
Seniority
Director-level, hands-on IC with strategic leadership