Head of Global Research - Vaccines

Job title: Head of Global Research - Vaccines Research and Development Location: Waltham, MA Overview The Head of Vaccines Research leads the scientific vision and strategy that transforms cutting-edge research into breakthrough vaccines, building a world-class research organization that leverages disease understanding, antigen design, immunology, AI/ML and platform science to deliver transformational vaccines and medicines. In the context of the R&D evolution, our position is currently in Project Status, where the scope of this position may continue to evolve. About the Job: As a senior Leader in the Vaccines GBU and Sanofi: Contribute to defining, building and delivering the short, middle and long term vision for the Vaccines GBU and Sanofi Engage key external stakeholders and represent Sanofi, the GBU and Vaccines R&D in external forums Engage leaders across all departments and levels within Sanofi and represent Vaccines R&D in internal forums As a senior Leader in Vaccines R&D, contribute to the Vaccines R&D leadership team (VRDLT) vision and dynamic: Contribute to defining, building and delivering the short, middle and long-term vision for Vaccines R&D Actively partner with your peers within the VRDLT, fostering cross-team collaboration and solving challenges within and outside VRDLT forums Bring healthy challenge, taking ownership for proposing and preparing topics for discussion at VRDLT. Contribute to productive discussion at VRDLT, diverging in opinions when helpful, then converging and aligning on a position and sticking to it Share information in a regular manner, sharing both good news and bad news in a timely manner and asking for help in an agile mode, including during our agile weekly meetings Provide feedback to peers and supervisor Engage leaders in Sanofi Pharma R&D and identify value-creating opportunities for scientific collaboration and synergies Identify external opportunities (services, collaborations, in-licensing, acquisitions) to strengthen our position and accelerate the delivery of our ambition. As a people Leader and manager in Vaccines R&D, deliver the activities and team engagement within your function: Take accountability for delivering the activities aligned with the defined project and pipeline priorities and the long term vision of the R&D and the vaccines GBU. Take accountability for sourcing the priority activities, making trade off when needed, asking for resource when critical path activities are not adequately resourced and releasing/loaning resources when possible. Define clear objectives for the team and assess team performance on both deliverables, behaviours and leadership traits Continue to raise talent density by developing your people, hiring exceptional new talents and ensuring we have the right people at the right place. Engage your overall team, increasing the engagement score of your direct report but also your overall organisation Keep transforming whenever needed and contribute to the simplification of the organisation within and outside your perimeter. Build robust interfaces with stakeholders and escalating the challenges when this is not happening Take thoughtful risk in a transparent way Create the right healthy environment where people can strive based on clear objective and feedback, with clear sense of urgency and confidence. As Head of Vaccines Research Department: In close collaboration with the Head of Vaccines Research portfolio strategy, design an ambitious vision for vaccines Research and a clear strategy and plan to deliver on it Contribute to vaccine paipeline Promote a project-centric and value-creating environment where science benefits our projects and pipeline, avoiding the “science for science” mindset. Deliver excellence in antigen design and immunology, pioneering new technologies and applying state of the art science and technologies to deliver concrete value for projects at short-, middle- and long-term. Deliver in an agile manner the scientific evidence that answer key scientific questions, discharging risks and advancing our vaccines and technology programs. Allocate resource according to established priorities and escalate potential trade-offs to VRDLT/governance in case of conflicting priorities. Continue to promote the innovation in vaccines platforms, including but not limited to mRNA & Adjuvants. Support to Pharma R&D and external collaborators on our mRNA & adjuvant platforms. In close collaboration with head of CMC, ensure that CQAs, manufacturability and analytical considerations are embedded into the design and selection of our vaccine candidates Ensure fit for purpose immunological assays, including quality &compliance. Align with Late stage immunology for the assay to be transferred and used in late stage development In close collaboration with the Head of QPS and Digital, build the data continuum across R&D. Promote and embed Digital, Automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning in research activities. Promote Sanofi scientific leadership and innovation internally and externally Core Scientific & Technical Requirements Infectious disease science and platform mastery Deep expertise across multiple vaccine platforms (mRNA, viral vectors, protein subunit, conjugates, live-attenuated) Strategic vision for emerging technologies and next-generation vaccine approaches Ability to assess platform suitability for specific pathogens and target populations Some knowledge of the non vaccine emerging infectious diseases platforms: antivirals, antibiotics, siRNA, Mabs, Antibody-drug conjugates, … Immunology & Mechanism of Action Excellence Comprehensive understanding of innate and adaptive immune responses Expertise in correlates of protection, immunological memory, and vaccine-induced immunity Capability to guide rational vaccine design based on immunological principles Pathogen Biology & Disease Understanding Extensive knowledge of infectious disease mechanisms, pathogen evolution, and epidemiology Regulatory Science Leadership Mastery of global regulatory pathways (FDA, EMA, WHO prequalification) Some knowledge in quality by design principles and CMC development strategies Understanding of stage-adjusted quality and compliance requirements Data Science & Digital Innovation Proficiency in leveraging AI/ML, bioinformatics, and computational biology Strategic vision for digital transformation in vaccine research and development Capability to integrate multi-omics data for vaccine optimization Portfolio Management Excellence Expertise in research prioritization, resource allocation, and risk assessment Ability to balance breakthrough innovation with incremental improvements Strategic thinking for pipeline development and competitive positioning External Collaboration Leadership Proven track record in academic partnerships, public-private collaborations, and consortiums Expertise in managing complex multi-stakeholder research initiatives Ability to leverage external innovation and scientific networks effectively Scientific Communication & Influence Exceptional ability to communicate complex science to diverse audiences Proven publication record and recognition in the scientific community Capability to represent the organization at key scientific forums and regulatory interactions About you Education Advanced scientific degree required — PhD, MD/PhD, or MD in Immunology, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Biochemistry, or a closely related life science discipline Postdoctoral training in infectious disease, antigen design or immunology, ideally with exposure to translational or applied vaccine research is preferred MBA or executive leadership training is a plus, reflecting the strategic and organizational scope of the role Scientific Experience 15 years of progressive experience in vaccine research, infectious disease, or immunology, spanning both discovery and translational stages is required Demonstrated track record of advancing vaccine or other drug candidates from discovery to drug development Hands-on expertise with at least two or more vaccine platforms (e.g., mRNA, protein subunit, viral vector, conjugate) is highly desired Familiarity with digital health tools, AI-driven drug discovery platforms, or computational immunology Industry & Leadership Experience Proven experience leading large, multidisciplinary R&D teams across geographies and functions Prior experience as a member of an executive or senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy beyond functional boundaries Strong network in infectious disease, structural biology and immunology. Strategic & Business Acumen Demonstrated ability to build and manage a research portfolio, balancing short-term deliverables with long-term innovation Experience in intellectual property, business development, licensing, or external partnership negotiations Proven capability to translate scientific strategy into operational plans with clear milestones and resource requirements Personal Attributes & Leadership Qualities Visionary scientific thinker with the intellectual courage to challenge conventional approaches Collaborative and inclusive leader who builds trust across diverse teams and stakeholders Resilient and decisive under uncertainty, with a demonstrated ability to make sound judgments in complex, fast-moving environments Culturally agile, with experience working across international teams and global health ecosystems Passionate advocate for patients and public health, with a genuine commitment to improving lives through vaccine innovation 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 Lead one of the industry's most ambitious external innovation agendas, shaping the future of Sanofi's global vaccine pipeline Build and influence a world-class ecosystem of academic, biotech, and global health partnerships at the forefront of pandemic preparedness Benefit from flexible hybrid work arrangements supporting work-life balance while being part of a multicultural, international team Access to executive development programs and international mobility opportunities within Sanofi's global R&D organization Sanofi Inc. 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. #GD-SP #LI-SP #LI-Onsite #vhd Pursue progress, discover extraordinary 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: $345,000.00 - $498,333.33 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. We are an R&D driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and creating compelling growth. Our team is guided by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. We want to build a healthier, more resilient world, and turn the impossible into the possible by discovering, developing, and delivering medicines and vaccines for millions of people around the world. Discover more about us visiting or via our movie We are Sanofi Start a career that makes a difference. Reinvention is in our DNA. It’s what drove our evolution from a small French enterprise to one of the world’s leading biopharma companies. Whether it’s using AI to shorten drug-discovery times or building trust in healthcare, you could be helping our teams make life better for patients, partners, and communities. This is where you grow your career. We open the door for you to explore new opportunities, push your limits, and connect with people who are driven by a shared purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.