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.

  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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Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability or gender identity.

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally inclusive and diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; natural or protective hairstyles; 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.

North America Applicants Only

The salary range for this position is:

All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs. Additional benefits information can be found through the LINK.