Distinguished Scientist

Role Summary

Strategic scientific leadership role in the Neurology research therapeutic area at Sanofi, based in Cambridge, MA. Lead multiple cross-functional teams, shape the strategic and scientific direction for neurology drug discovery, identify and execute on novel targets across programs, and deliver robust pre-clinical candidate packages for clinical testing while maintaining a strong national and international neuroscience reputation.

Responsibilities

• Innovative and creative thinker and leader who applies disease area knowledge and uses cutting-edge technology to identify novel targets implicated in neurodegenerative disease
• Lead a team of cross-functional scientists with the goal of delivering robust preclinical packages enabled by biomarkers across multiple modalities
• Provide scientific insight and direction for multiple research programs using a diversity of modalities
• Integrate large, diverse and complex data sets from multiple sources to inform on the most robust targets and pathways implicated in disease progression
• Establish and manage key external collaborations
• Establish project priorities and resource allocations to ensure the highest impact
• Leads by example across disciplines to execute on therapeutic area objectives
• Ability to identify multidisciplinary solutions and recommend a course of action in ambiguous situations
• Contributes to the vision, mission and tactics of the research therapeutic area and beyond
• Support due diligence activities, competitive assessments, and evaluation of external opportunities
• Serves as an inspirational leader within group, therapeutic area and beyond

Qualifications

• Required: 8+ years post-PhD within biopharma or academic research setting with demonstrated progression of scientific leadership and impact
• Required: Outstanding track record of scientific accomplishment as a leader and innovator in neuroscience or genetics; ability to plan, organize and guide complex projects with high-level scientific judgement; sought out as an internal consultant for scientific judgement
• Required: Recognized scientific expert with high-impact publications as senior/corresponding author in top-tier journals, patents, and successful IND filings; ability to lead parts of regulatory submissions
• Required: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to convey complex science to diverse audiences including senior leadership, regulatory agencies, and external community
• Preferred: PhD with 8+ years of post-doctoral biopharma experience with demonstrated scientific leadership
• Preferred: Outstanding publications in high-impact journals with multiple senior/corresponding author articles demonstrating neuroscience thought leadership
• Preferred: Established national and international reputation as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in neuroscience, evidenced by invitations to major conferences, leadership in professional societies, editorial or advisory board service, and recognized awards
• Preferred: Ability to lead and influence across R&D, including multidisciplinary team leadership, portfolio shaping, due diligence, competitive intelligence, and strategic partnerships
• Preferred: Self-directed, proactive, and capable of working independently in ambiguous situations to identify multidisciplinary solutions

Skills

• Leadership in cross-functional teams
• Data integration and analysis across modalities
• Strategic planning and resource allocation
• External collaboration and partnerships
• Regulatory submissions and due diligence

Education

• PhD (required for senior roles; preferred track record)