Distinguished Scientist, Group Head Biochemistry (Somerville)

Key Responsibilities:Scientific Leadership & StrategyProvide strategic direction and scientific oversight for biochemistry activities supporting multiple drug discovery programs across diverse therapeutic areasServe as the primary biochemistry expert and thought leader, guiding project teams on assay design, target characterization, and mechanism of action studiesDrive innovation in biochemical assay technologies and methodologies to enhance drug discovery capabilitiesEstablish and maintain scientific standards and best practices for biochemistry within In Vitro BiologyRepresent biochemistry expertise in cross-functional project teams and governance committeesUse AI/ML and robotics to accelerate drug discovery cycle times.Team Leadership & DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop a team of biochemists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and collaborationRecruit, retain, and develop top scientific talent to build a world-class biochemistry organizationConduct performance management, including goal setting, feedback, and career development for direct reportsCreate an inclusive environment that encourages innovation, continuous learning, and professional growthPromote Sanofi's values of Aim Higher, Act for Patients, Be Bold, and Lead Together within the teamDrug Discovery ExecutionOversee the design, development, and execution of biochemical assays for target validation, hit identification, and lead optimizationEnsure timely delivery of high-quality biochemistry data to support project milestones and decision-makingCollaborate with medicinal chemistry, structural biology, pharmacology, and other disciplines to advance compounds through discovery stagesTroubleshoot complex biochemical challenges and provide innovative solutions to overcome technical obstaclesEvaluate and implement emerging technologies and platforms to enhance biochemistry capabilitiesCollaboration & CommunicationPartner effectively with internal stakeholders across Research, Development, and Global functionsBuild and maintain external collaborations with academic institutions, biotechnology companies, and contract research organizationsPresent scientific findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadershipContribute to scientific publications, patents, and presentations at external conferencesParticipate in scientific advisory boards and industry forums as a Sanofi representativeRequired QualificationsEducation & ExperiencePh.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 teamsProven track record of contributions to successful drug discovery programs from early research through candidate selectionTechnical ExpertiseDeep 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 relationshipsHands-on experience with diverse biochemical techniques including fluorescence, luminescence, mass spectrometry, surface plasmon resonance, and other biophysical methodsKnowledge of assay automation, high-throughput screening, and data analysis methodologiesExpertise in the field of protein degradation or molecular glues (degraders-non degraders)Understanding of drug discovery processes from target identification through clinical candidate nominationLeadership & Interpersonal SkillsDemonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing scientific teamsExcellent strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilitiesStrong communication skills with ability to influence and align diverse stakeholdersProven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environmentCollaborative mindset with experience working in matrix organizationsPreferred QualificationsExperience with novel therapeutic modalities such as targeted protein degradation, molecular glues, covalent inhibitors, or allosteric modulatorsExpertise in specific therapeutic areas of strategic importance to Sanofi (immunology, oncology, rare diseases, neuroscience)Track record of scientific publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journalsExperience with regulatory submissions and interactions with health authoritiesFamiliarity with AI/ML applications in drug discovery and computational biochemistryPrevious experience in a Level 4+ leadership role within a pharmaceutical organizationEstablished network within the scientific community and industryLeadership CompetenciesAim HigherSets ambitious scientific goals and inspires the team to achieve excellenceDrives continuous improvement in biochemistry capabilities and methodologiesChallenges conventional thinking and pursues innovative approaches to complex problemsAct for PatientsMaintains unwavering focus on delivering medicines that improve patient livesMakes decisions with patient impact as the primary considerationEnsures scientific rigor and quality in all biochemistry activitiesBe BoldTakes calculated risks to advance scientific innovationAdvocates for novel approaches and emerging technologiesDemonstrates courage in decision-making and addressing challengesLead TogetherBuilds strong collaborative relationships across functions and geographiesCreates an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valuedDevelops talent and builds organizational capability for the futureDemonstrates integrity, transparency, and accountability in all interactionsWhy 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.#GD-SP ​ #LI-SP #vhd#LI-OnsiteAttachmentsPursue progress, discover extraordinaryBetter 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 OnlySanofi 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 OnlyThe salary range for this position is:$178,500.00 - $257,833.33All 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.SummaryLocation: Cambridge, MAType: Full time