Distinguished Scientist, Group Head Biochemistry

Key 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

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

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 it’s 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.

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Attachments

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.