Built and leads a global discovery team creating of innovative therapeutics targeting RNA and proteins. Develop and implement the strategic vision for the RNA and Protein Modulation Unit to target hard-to-drug proteins in the areas of Oncology, Neurosciences, GI, and Rare Diseases.• Created and manage an integrated drug discovery unit (>30 Scientists) comprised of four teams: RNA biology, Protein degradation, HTS/Biochemistry and Biophysics.• Identify emerging trends and opportunities in RNA and protein modulation to drive innovation.• Oversee the design, execution, and analysis of preclinical studies targeting RNAs and proteins.• Guide the development of novel therapeutic modalities and partnerships, including RNA-based therapies and protein-targeting drugs.• Coached, mentored, and developed a new generation of leaders, and foster a collaborative and innovative research environment.• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including other R&D units, clinical development teams, and regulatory affairs.• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including academic institutions, biotech companies, and industry consortia.• Represent Takeda at scientific conferences, industry meetings, and in publications.• Oversee multiple research projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.• Align unit goals with Takeda's overall R&D strategy and therapeutic area objectives.

Transformed the biophysics team and expanded Takeda's capabilities in the areas of NMR, ASMS and SPR by combining an internal built with the establishment of a network of external partnerships.

- Studies protein-DNA complexes regulating stem cell differentiation using NMR and X-ray crystallography.- Studies proteins, protein-RNA and protein-protein complexes governing alternative splicing using NMR and single molecule spectroscopy.- Investigates Kappa Opioid receptor/ligand interactions using 19F-NMR spectroscopy.

- Developed a protein production and NMR structure determination pipeline.- Managed the production, characterization and structure determination of over 90 proteins, including homodimers, and protein-nucleic acid complexes.- Combined X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy for the study of ligand binding sites.- Studied the structure and dynamics of the-proteobacterial ATPase ζ-inhibitory subunit.- Investigated the behaviour and formation of membrane proteins reconstituted in mixed micelles.

As a member of the Prof. Wüthrich’s group and the Joint Center for Structural Genomics (JCSG) my research focuses primarily on the structural and functional characterization of proteins with unknown function.Protein targets are selected from the continuously-growing genomic pool and include sequences found in all kingdoms of life. A highly automated pipeline for protein production, protein solution screening and structure determination allow us to efficiently tackle a large number of potential targets, and includes NMR experiments to study ligand binding, protein dynamics and oligomeric state in solution.