Senior Director Type 2 Immunology
About The Position
The Senior Director, Type 2 Immunology is a senior research leadership role within Sanofi’s Type 2 Immunology cluster, based at its Cambridge Crossing research campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The position drives scientific discovery, translational medicine, and research innovation across a portfolio spanning dermatology, gastroenterology, respiratory, and rheumatology. It shapes the long-term research vision, identifies and validates therapeutic targets, and translates scientific findings into clinical development strategies. The role leverages technical capabilities including AI-enabled platforms, single-cell technologies, and multiomic approaches, while collaborating with Development, Medical Affairs, Commercial, Clinical Development, and Regulatory Affairs. It also leads research teams, external partnerships, scientific communication, and portfolio planning in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. The position reports directly to the Senior Cluster Head, Type 2 Immunology.
Requirements
- PhD in immunology, molecular biology, or a closely related field.
- At least 12 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical research industry, with a strong focus on immunology research.
- Deep expertise in inflammatory biology, ideally Type 2, disease mechanisms, and the evolving therapeutic landscape.
- Proven translational research experience, including work from benchside to bedside and back again.
- Evidence of big data competency, using large data tools to build scientific hypotheses.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional R&D teams in a matrixed organization.
- Demonstrated track record of leading successful drug discovery and/or development programs from early research through clinical translation.
- Strong executive presence and excellent scientific communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong publication record in high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Nice To Haves
- Direct research experience across multiple inflammatory diseases, including Type 2 inflammatory diseases.
- In-depth knowledge of biologics development and immunotherapy, including antibody engineering and mechanism-based drug design.
- Familiarity with regulatory science, including IND or CTA submissions and interactions with health authorities.
- Established network within the academic and scientific community in immunology or related fields.
- Experience building and managing academic-industry research partnerships and collaborative research agreements.
- Prior experience managing and developing senior scientific talent.
Responsibilities
- Execute and refine the Type 2 Immunology research strategy, identifying novel biological targets and therapeutic hypotheses to advance the pipeline.
- Drive long-range research planning, portfolio prioritization, and investment decisions across preclinical and translational programs.
- Monitor and integrate emerging scientific advances, competitive intelligence, and unmet medical needs to evolve the research agenda.
- Represent Type 2 Immunology research in senior leadership forums, governance committees, and pipeline review boards.
- Oversee preclinical and translational research programs from target identification and validation through candidate nomination.
- Lead mechanism-of-action studies and disease biology investigations to deepen understanding of Type 2 inflammatory pathways.
- Drive biomarker identification, development, and qualification strategies to support patient stratification, proof of concept, and clinical decision-making.
- Ensure scientific rigor and innovation across the drug discovery and development continuum.
- Support development and medical colleagues in investigator-initiated studies and collaborative research programs.
- Partner with Clinical Development and Regulatory Affairs to translate preclinical findings into clinical hypotheses and study designs.
- Oversee scientific interpretation of clinical data to inform pipeline progression and lifecycle decisions.
- Establish and manage research collaborations with academic institutions, research consortiums, and external scientific networks.
- Identify and evaluate external innovation opportunities, including licensing, codevelopment, and research alliances.
- Represent Sanofi in scientific advisory boards, research consortiums, and industry-academic partnerships.
- Lead a high-impact publication strategy and disseminate research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Represent Sanofi as a scientific thought leader at conferences and symposia.
- Shape the external scientific narrative for Type 2 Immunology through white papers, review articles, and engagement with the research community.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of research scientists and foster a drug-hunting culture.
- Foster scientific excellence, intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and accountability.
- Set research objectives, provide scientific guidance, and support career development and succession planning.
Benefits
- Health and wellbeing benefits, including high-quality healthcare and prevention and wellness programs.
- At least 14 weeks of gender-neutral parental leave.
- Rewards package recognizing employee contributions.
- Employees may be eligible to participate in company employee benefit programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
