Distinguished Scientist, Group Head Biochemistry

About the job

Join the engine of Sanofi’s mission — where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, you’ll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions.

Main Responsibilities

• Scientific Leadership & Strategy
• 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
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies and platforms to enhance biochemistry capabilities
• 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
• 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

About You

• 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
• Proven track record of contributions to successful drug discovery programs from early research through candidate selection
• 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

Leadership Competencies

• Aim Higher
• Act for Patients
• Be Bold
• Lead Together

Why Choose Us

• Expand your horizons. Grow through curiosity, with support to move, learn, and lead in a culture that champions mentorship, mobility, and bold development.
• Accelerate results with technology. Harness the power of AI and automation to push scientific boundaries and reimagine what's possible in drug discovery.
• Impact through inclusive innovation. Help deliver better science and fairer outcomes by driving inclusive research that reaches more people, in more meaningful ways.
• Turn patient needs into breakthrough science. Drive scientific breakthroughs that start with patient needs – and end in treatments that change lives.

Sanofi US Services and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.