Distinguished Scientist, Group Head Biochemistry
Sanofi
June 26, 2026
Remote friendly (Cambridge, MA)
United States
$178,500 - $257,833.33 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic direction and scientific oversight for biochemistry activities supporting multiple drug discovery programs across diverse therapeutic areas.
- Serve as the primary biochemistry expert and thought leader (assay design, target characterization, mechanism of action studies).
- Drive innovation in biochemical assay technologies and establish scientific standards and best practices for biochemistry within In Vitro Biology.
- Represent biochemistry expertise in cross-functional project teams and governance committees; use AI/ML and robotics to accelerate cycle times.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop biochemists; recruit, retain, and develop scientific talent.
- Conduct performance management (goal setting, feedback, career development).
- Create an inclusive environment that encourages innovation and continuous learning.
Drug Discovery Execution
- Oversee design, development, and execution of biochemical assays for target validation, hit identification, and lead optimization.
- Ensure timely delivery of high-quality biochemistry data.
- Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, structural biology, pharmacology, and others; troubleshoot complex biochemical challenges.
- Evaluate and implement emerging technologies and platforms.
Collaboration & Communication
- Partner with internal stakeholders; build external collaborations with academia, biotech, and CROs.
- Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership; contribute to publications, patents, and conferences; participate in advisory boards.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Chemical Biology/Molecular Biology (or related) + 8+ years in pharmaceutical/biotech drug discovery.
- 5+ years people management experience.
- Proven contributions to successful drug discovery programs from early research through candidate selection.
Technical Expertise / Skills
- Biochemical assay development across multiple target classes; enzyme kinetics, binding thermodynamics, and SAR.
- Hands-on fluorescence, luminescence, mass spectrometry, SPR, and other biophysical methods.
- Assay automation, high-throughput screening, and data analysis.
- Experience with protein degradation and/or molecular glues; understanding from target ID through clinical candidate nomination.
Preferred Qualifications
- Novel modalities (protein degradation, molecular glues, covalent inhibitors, allosteric modulators); therapeutic area expertise; high-impact publications.
- Regulatory submission experience; AI/ML familiarity; Level 4+ leadership; industry/scientific network.
Benefits (if part of job description)
- Health and wellbeing benefits, including at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.
Application Instructions
- Not specified in the provided text.
- Provide strategic direction and scientific oversight for biochemistry activities supporting multiple drug discovery programs across diverse therapeutic areas.
- Serve as the primary biochemistry expert and thought leader (assay design, target characterization, mechanism of action studies).
- Drive innovation in biochemical assay technologies and establish scientific standards and best practices for biochemistry within In Vitro Biology.
- Represent biochemistry expertise in cross-functional project teams and governance committees; use AI/ML and robotics to accelerate cycle times.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop biochemists; recruit, retain, and develop scientific talent.
- Conduct performance management (goal setting, feedback, career development).
- Create an inclusive environment that encourages innovation and continuous learning.
Drug Discovery Execution
- Oversee design, development, and execution of biochemical assays for target validation, hit identification, and lead optimization.
- Ensure timely delivery of high-quality biochemistry data.
- Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, structural biology, pharmacology, and others; troubleshoot complex biochemical challenges.
- Evaluate and implement emerging technologies and platforms.
Collaboration & Communication
- Partner with internal stakeholders; build external collaborations with academia, biotech, and CROs.
- Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership; contribute to publications, patents, and conferences; participate in advisory boards.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Chemical Biology/Molecular Biology (or related) + 8+ years in pharmaceutical/biotech drug discovery.
- 5+ years people management experience.
- Proven contributions to successful drug discovery programs from early research through candidate selection.
Technical Expertise / Skills
- Biochemical assay development across multiple target classes; enzyme kinetics, binding thermodynamics, and SAR.
- Hands-on fluorescence, luminescence, mass spectrometry, SPR, and other biophysical methods.
- Assay automation, high-throughput screening, and data analysis.
- Experience with protein degradation and/or molecular glues; understanding from target ID through clinical candidate nomination.
Preferred Qualifications
- Novel modalities (protein degradation, molecular glues, covalent inhibitors, allosteric modulators); therapeutic area expertise; high-impact publications.
- Regulatory submission experience; AI/ML familiarity; Level 4+ leadership; industry/scientific network.
Benefits (if part of job description)
- Health and wellbeing benefits, including at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.
Application Instructions
- Not specified in the provided text.