The Director, Automation Lead will shape and deliver Takeda Shonan’s “Labs of Tomorrow” vision by leading laboratory automation, robotics, digital integration, and smart-workflow initiatives. The role typically requires strong experience in laboratory automation, scientific technology, systems integration, and strategic program leadership, ideally within pharmaceutical or biotech research. Candidates should be comfortable managing multidisciplinary teams, vendors, budgets, and complex transformation projects. Knowledge of laboratory information systems, data integrity, GxP expectations, and emerging technologies is valuable. Takeda expects a collaborative, innovative leader who can translate scientific needs into scalable solutions, influence senior stakeholders, and deliver measurable improvements in research productivity, quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company is a global, research-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan. Founded in 1781, it has grown into one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical organizations, serving patients in numerous countries. Takeda focuses on innovative medicines in areas including gastroenterology, rare diseases, neuroscience, oncology, and vaccines. Its operations combine discovery research, clinical development, manufacturing, digital innovation, and patient-focused commercial activities. The Takeda Shonan Research Center in Fujisawa is an important Japanese hub for pharmaceutical research and advanced scientific technologies. Takeda promotes an inclusive, internationally oriented workplace and places strong emphasis on ethics, quality, patient benefit, collaboration, and long-term scientific impact. Employees may work with global teams and advanced platforms while contributing to the modernization of pharmaceutical research and development.
Japan offers strong opportunities in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, engineering, information technology, manufacturing, finance, education, and research, particularly around Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, and major science hubs such as Shonan. Workplace culture values punctuality, preparation, teamwork, respect, and attention to detail, although international companies may use more flexible and English-friendly practices. Daily life is safe, highly organized, and supported by excellent public transportation, healthcare, food, and cultural activities. Housing and commuting costs are higher in Tokyo and nearby Kanagawa than in regional cities. Foreign professionals generally need an appropriate work visa, commonly sponsored by the employer; highly skilled workers may qualify for faster permanent-residency pathways. Relocation packages vary and may include visa support, temporary housing, moving assistance, and language help. Learning basic Japanese is useful for administration and community life, even when English is used at work.
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