Distinguished Scientist, Group Head Biochemistry

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and scientific oversight for biochemistry activities supporting multiple drug discovery programs across diverse therapeutic areas
• Serve as the primary biochemistry expert and thought leader, guiding project teams on assay design, target characterization, and mechanism of action studies
• Drive innovation in biochemical assay technologies and methodologies to enhance drug discovery capabilities
• Establish and maintain scientific standards and best practices for biochemistry within In Vitro Biology
• Represent biochemistry expertise in cross-functional project teams and governance committees
• Use AI/ML and robotics to accelerate drug discovery cycle times.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of biochemists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration
• Recruit, retain, and develop top scientific talent to build a world-class biochemistry organization
• Create an inclusive environment that encourages innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth
• Promote Sanofi's values of Aim Higher, Act for Patients, Be Bold, and Lead Together within the team

Drug Discovery Execution

• Oversee the design, development, and execution of biochemical assays for target validation, hit identification, and lead optimization
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality biochemistry data to support project milestones and decision-making
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, structural biology, pharmacology, and other disciplines to advance compounds through discovery stages
• Troubleshoot complex biochemical challenges and provide innovative solutions to overcome technical obstacles
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies and platforms to enhance biochemistry capabilities

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner effectively with internal stakeholders across Research, Development, and Global functions
• Build and maintain external collaborations with academic institutions, biotechnology companies, and contract research organizations
• Present scientific findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership
• Contribute to scientific publications, patents, and presentations at external conferences
• Participate in scientific advisory boards and industry forums as a Sanofi representative

Required Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Molecular Biology, or related scientific discipline and 8+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology drug discovery industry. At least 5+ years of people management experience, including leading and developing scientific teams
• Technical Expertise: Deep expertise in biochemical assay development and characterization across multiple target classes (enzymes, protein-protein interactions, epigenetic targets, etc.). Strong understanding of enzyme kinetics, binding thermodynamics, and structure-activity relationships. Hands-on experience with diverse biochemical techniques including fluorescence, luminescence, mass spectrometry, surface plasmon resonance, and other biophysical methods. Expertise in the field of protein degradation or molecular glues (degraders-non degraders). Understanding of drug discovery processes from target identification through clinical candidate nomination
• Leadership & Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing scientific teams. Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities. Strong communication skills with ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment. Collaborative mindset with experience working in matrix organizations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with novel therapeutic modalities such as targeted protein degradation, molecular glues, covalent inhibitors, or allosteric modulators
• Expertise in specific therapeutic areas of strategic importance to Sanofi (immunology, oncology, rare diseases, neuroscience)
• Track record of scientific publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
• Experience with regulatory submissions and interactions with health authorities
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications in drug discovery and computational biochemistry
• Previous experience in a Level 4+ leadership role within a pharmaceutical organization
• Established network within the scientific community and industry