Head of Advanced Ocular In Vitro Models

Job Title: Head of Advanced Ocular In Vitro Models

Location: Cambridge, MA

About the Job

Are you ready to shape the future of medicine? The race is on to speed up drug discovery and development to find answers for patients and their families. Your skills could be critical in helping our teams accelerate progress. 

Sanofi is seeking an accomplished scientist to lead the Advanced Ocular In Vitro Models group in Ophthalmology Research. The Head of Advanced Ocular In Vitro Models will provide strategic scientific leadership in the development and implementation of innovative ocular in vitro model systems to advance our Ophthalmology research pipeline. This role will drive the creation of physiologically relevant in vitro models for ophthalmologic diseases, including retinal diseases, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other vision-related conditions. The group head will work closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive the implementation of advanced in vitro models in the discovery and development of novel ophthalmic therapies, from early research to preclinical and translational stages. The successful candidate will shape scientific strategies, provide thought leadership, demonstrate exceptional scientific judgement, and serve as a recognized authority within Sanofi and the broader scientific community in the field of advanced ocular in vitro models. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Ophthalmology Research and bring transformative treatments to patients around the world.

We are an innovative global healthcare company with one purpose: to chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. We’re also a company where you can flourish and grow your career, with countless opportunities to explore, make connections with people, and stretch the limits of what you thought was possible. Ready to get started?

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and validation of advanced ocular in vitro models in Ophthalmology Research

• Develop protocols for induced-pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell types relevant to ocular disease

• Implement automation and robotics to scale cell culture

• Drive the application of cutting-edge technologies in complex in vitro models, including organoids, co-culture, bioprinting and organ-on-a-chip systems

• Drive the application of in vitro models for modeling disease signatures, target validation, screening of various therapeutic modalities, and safety assessment

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate ocular in vitro models into drug discovery workflows

• Shape and drive scientific strategies that support long-term goals at the Therapeutic Area level

• Identify and develop multidisciplinary solutions that influence the strategic direction of multiple drug discovery projects

• Manage complex projects with high uncertainty of successful outcomes

• Foster external collaborations and maintain high visibility in the scientific community

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of scientists in the Advanced Ocular In Vitro Models group in Ophthalmology Research

• Contribute to the scientific community through high-impact publications, patents, and presentations at major conferences

• Manage resources effectively, including personnel, budget, and technology requirements

About You

Basic Qualifications:

• Earned PhD in Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Ophthalmology, or related field with minimum 10 years of relevant research experience in biopharmaceutical or academic settings

• Demonstrated expertise in induced pluripotent stem cell (IPSC) technologies and differentiation protocols for ocular disease-relevant cell types

• Experience with developing and implementing advanced in vitro models, with specific focus on ocular tissues

• Strong understanding of ocular cell biology, disease pathophysiology, and drug discovery processes

• Experience in translational research and drug development

• Proven track record in advancing ophthalmology research from early discovery through preclinical and translational stages.

• Experience leading cross-functional teams and research programs.

• Outstanding track record of scientific publications, presentations, and patents as leading contributor or senior author

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with automated cell culture systems

• Knowledge of imaging technologies and high-content analysis methods

• Understanding of regulatory perspectives on alternative methods to animal testing

• Experience with bioprinting, microfluidic systems and organ-on-chip technologies

• Track record of securing research funding or managing substantial research budgets

• Active participation in professional societies and scientific advisory boards

• Experience in developing and implementing digital solutions for data analysis and model evaluation

• Familiarity with the ophthalmic regulatory landscape and experience in drafting documents for Investigational New Drug (IND) applications with agencies like the FDA and EMA.

• A network of strong external collaborations with leading academic institutions and research centers in ophthalmology.

Skills and Competencies:

• Outstanding scientific judgment in complex and ambiguous situations

• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Strong collaborative leadership across multiple functions and domains

• Ability to work independently while aligning with organizational objectives

• Strong mentoring and talent development capabilities

• Excellent project and resource management skills

• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and challenge status quo

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

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 Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse 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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