Distinguished Scientist, Group Head Biochemistry

Job title: Distinguished Scientist, Group Head Biochemistry

Location: Cambridge, MA

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. 

About Sanofi

We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s 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 people’s 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 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. 

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.