Head of Global Research - Vaccines

Sanofi•Waltham, MA

3d•$345,000 - $498,333•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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
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.
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
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
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

Nice To Haves

MBA or executive leadership training is a plus, reflecting the strategic and organizational scope of the role

Responsibilities

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
Contribute to the Vaccines R&D leadership team (VRDLT) vision and dynamic
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.
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 pipeline
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