Associate Director, Automation Lead (Lab of the Future) - Takeda Shonan (TSHO)
Hybrid · Kanagawa, Japan
Job Summary
Lead Takeda Shonan's Lab of the Future automation program as Associate Director, Automation Lead. Set the automation vision and multi-year roadmap, deliver fully automated and miniaturized 1536-well assay workflows, and drive the enabling digital ecosystem (robotics integration, scheduling, automated analytics, and LIMS connectivity). Act as a senior change agent to align stakeholders, define new operating models, governance, standards, and training to accelerate adoption. Provide scientific leadership for robust assay development for automated systems, lead selection and optimization of robotic platforms, define integration architecture with peripheral devices and software schedulers, and drive miniaturization down to 1536-well. Drive automated data analysis pipelines (QC, normalization, curve fitting, trending, and reporting) and partner with digital/data teams to integrate assay data into LIMS/ELN. Lead cross-functional teams in a matrix environment spanning assay scientists, automation engineers, software/data, lab operations, and external partners; own vendor selection and strategy for the local environment. This role requires an advanced degree or equivalent experience and a proven track record in laboratory automation with strong leadership and communication skills.
Required Qualifications
- 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)
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