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

• 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.