Distinguished Scientist, Group Head Biochemistry

Job title: Distinguished Scientist, Group Head Biochemistry

Location: Cambridge, MA

About The Job

Join the engine of Sanofis mission where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, youll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions.

About Sanofi

Were an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving peoples lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system and innovative pipeline enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve peoples lives.

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
• Conduct performance management, including goal setting, feedback, and career development for direct reports
• 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
  
  
  

About You

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Molecular Biology, or related scientific disciplineand 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
• Knowledge of assay automation, high-throughput screening, and data analysis methodologies
• 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

• Sets ambitious scientific goals and inspires the team to achieve excellence
• Drives continuous improvement in biochemistry capabilities and methodologies
• Challenges conventional thinking and pursues innovative approaches to complex problems
  
  
  

Act for Patients

• Maintains unwavering focus on delivering medicines that improve patient lives
• Makes decisions with patient impact as the primary consideration
• Ensures scientific rigor and quality in all biochemistry activities
  
  
  

Be Bold

• Takes calculated risks to advance scientific innovation
• Advocates for novel approaches and emerging technologies
• Demonstrates courage in decision-making and addressing challenges
  
  
  

Lead Together

• Builds strong collaborative relationships across functions and geographies
• Creates an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued
• Develops talent and builds organizational capability for the future
• Demonstrates integrity, transparency, and accountability in all interactions
  
  
  

Why Choose Us?

• Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
• Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether its through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.
• Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.
• Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks gender-neutral parental leave.
  
  
  

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.

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All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.