Global Head of Research and Biomarkers- Vaccines
Company: Sanofi
Location: Waltham
Posted on: December 2, 2025
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Job Description:
Job Title: Global Head of Research and Biomarkers- Vaccines
Location: Waltham, MA About the Job Join the team protecting half a
billion lives every year with next-gen science, mRNA innovation,
and AI-driven breakthroughs. In Vaccines, you’ll help advance
prevention on a global scale - and shape the future of
immunization. Sanofi is a global biopharmaceutical company focusing
on human health transforming scientific innovation in healthcare
solutions. At Sanofi, we innovate in immunology, rare diseases &
prevention. Sanofi Pasteur has been a leader in the vaccine
industry for over 100 years. We are building a world in which no
one suffers or dies from a vaccine preventable disease. We produce
more than 1 billion doses of high-quality vaccines each year and
save over 3 million lives worldwide. Sanofi Pasteur is embracing
the digital revolution. Today we incorporate big data, machine
learning and advanced analytics into R&D, evidence generation,
commercial operation and manufacturing. mRNA technology stands at
the forefront of these scientific breakthroughs. In an
ever-evolving healthcare landscape, we recognize mRNA's
transformative potential to revolutionize how we prevent and treat
diseases, making innovative solutions accessible to more people,
faster than ever before. That's why we've established our mRNA
Center of Excellence. With an annual investment of €200m and a
dedicated team of 500 experts, we built an integrated end-to-end
mRNA platform that brings together R&D, digital capabilities,
and CMC expertise under one roof. Bring your ambition and optimism
and join us on our journey to discover and deliver transformative
medicine to patients through the advancement of our cutting-edge
mRNA technology! In this role, the CTO, Global Head of Research &
Biomarkers will be overseeing the overall end to end COE Research
group covering pDNA, mRNA & Delivery (including Lipids discovery,
associated synthesis) research teams and capabilities supporting
Sanofi ambition in the field of therapeutic and prophylactic
approaches serving unmet medical needs. Additionally, the CTO,
Global Head of Research & Biomarkers will oversee a best-in-class
mRNA Biomarker platform team based in France and Orlando, with the
aim to: - maximize efficacy and safety of LNP-mRNA through deep
molecular and cellular immune profiling, - deciphering the impact
of the LNPs components on immune innate response as well as overall
humoral and cellular immunity, - as such, we will gain confidence
in mRNA-based technology performance prediction. Overall, as such
the Research and Biomarker Team will drive platform evolution and
optimization through innovation in mRNA/LNP Design in prophylactic
& therapeutic areas and will collaborate closely across the R&D
team (Ag Design, Immunology Group, Clinical Development…) and
project teams to support development candidates. As executive
leader of the organization, the CTO, Global Head of Research &
Biomarker is providing the best environment and support to project
teams and scientists, enhance excellence in Science & Innovation in
collaboration with key internal and external partners About Sanofi:
We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to
improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep
understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline –
enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect
millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the
miracles of science to improve people’s lives. Main
Responsibilities: Lead, engage, drive and develop a team whose
mission is to conduct research on mRNA, LNP and formulation
(Delivery) design for various applications and specific routes of
administration, including: - The support for the targeted disease
scientific strategic approach definition, - The discovery and
evaluation of new delivery system (non LNP delivery) and its
associate requirements (Pharmaceutical form, route of admin …), -
The identification and synthesis of novel lipids or alternative in
link with the mechanism of action foreseen, - The identification
and development of novel mRNA stabilization approaches, - The
research of novel elicitors of mRNA intracellular mRNA translation,
- The development of mRNA formulation, - High throughput screening
of excipients, - Thermostable fully liquid formulation, - Lyo/spray
dried formulation, - As such the team screen for new technologies
and establish those technologies to improve mRNA generation
capabilities and identify novel approaches that leverage the mRNA
platform in the development of new or better prophylactic and
therapeutic targets. - In order to accelerate mRNA & LNO research,
the Global Head of R&B will ensure that all the digital briks
(Automation, IA, ML) required for such technology are leveraged at
scale. Lead, engage, drive, and develop the biomarker platform,
including: - Define and execute the biomarker strategy supporting
the optimization, the development, the manufacturing, and the
registration of mRNA LNP for prophylactic and Therapeutic vaccines
/ application, - Discover, develop and validate in vitro, in vivo
preclinical and clinical biomarker assays, - Support the overall
CMC DS & DP group by analyzing samples via established biomarker
platform, - Ensure smooth transfer of analytical methods to
analytical group - Apply molecular biology and cell biology to
advance and optimize RNA-based vaccine technology, - Perform
molecular techniques that include (but are not limited to)
recombinant DNA techniques, sequence analysis, DNA/RNA isolation
etc. - Support strategic writing of the CMC section of the
regulatory dossier People: - Is responsible for the selection,
attraction, and retention of talents within mRNA CoE Science and
Innovation: - Provide best environment and support to project teams
and scientists Culture & Vx R&D Voice : - Act as the
spokesperson/host for Vx R&D at site events, visitor welcomes
and site visits. - Act as a liaison to transfer information between
Vx R&D and other functions. Vx R&D representative at the
National Hub Leadership Team. - Be the voice of the site for Vx
R&D externally, interactions with local communities as
appropriate and in collaboration with External Engagement teams -
Contribute to Vx R&D communication strategy at local level -
Lead initiatives to promote culture change, work performance,
innovation & well- being About You REQUIRED SKILLS - PhD in
Biotechnology or related field, 15 years of relevant work
experience (Discovery, Research and CMC…) with biopharmaceutical /
biotech industry in Biologics, Gene Therapy, Cell Therapy… - Strong
expertise in molecular biology technics including analytical
technics, - Experience with lipid chemistry, lipid modifications,
lipid synthesis, and standard analytical techniques for
macromolecules, - Expertise in encapsulation technics, advanced
formulation for Oligo/Lipids based products - Expertise in cell
biology (e.g. cell culture, transfections, ELISA, and flow
cytometry including cell sorting) - Experience in nanoparticle
characterization techniques (DLS, zeta potential, chromatography……)
- Experience in immunological and biochemical assay development
experience in translational medicine is a real asset - Desire to
initiate and apply innovative approaches to early drug development
and predictive modeling - Proven track of record of managing direct
reports and leading teams - Experience in leading a team (? 50
people) of senior scientists, directors and & AVP levels - Strong
team building and leadership skills - Demonstrate Take The Lead
behaviors Why 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 Inc. and its U.S. affiliates
are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to
a culturally diverse 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 LI-Hybrid vhd mRNA All compensation will be determined
commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be
eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and
additional benefits information can be found here.
Keywords: Sanofi, Waltham , Global Head of Research and Biomarkers- Vaccines, Science, Research & Development , Waltham, Massachusetts
