R&D
Where your curiosity drives the
miracles of
science
Distinguished Scientist – EIR, Intrépide
At a glance
Bring your curiosity to a team where deep immunoscience meets cutting-edge innovation. Across oncology, rare diseases, neurology, and vaccines, you’ll work at the intersection of lab science and AI-powered discovery — all while collaborating across boundaries to turn breakthrough ideas into real-world impact. Whether you want to deepen your scientific expertise or grow as a leader, you’ll find the opportunity here.
Job Title: Distinguished Scientist – EIR
Location:Cambridge, MA
About the Job
Join the engine of Sanofi’s mission — where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, you’ll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions.
Sanofi Intrépide Research Laboratories is a global initiative that identifies, incubates, validates, and advances science, technology, and business opportunities critical to Sanofi's pipeline ambitions. Operating in both China and the US, we combine a Core Team providing strategic, scientific, and operational leadership with Research Laboratories executing breakthrough projects. We are seeking an exceptional Entrepreneur in Residence with deep expertise in Neurobiology and Medicinal Chemistry (though not limited to these areas) to help build Intrépide Research Laboratories (IRLs) and infrastructure for Intrépide US. This pioneering role will leverage China's vibrant innovation ecosystem and accelerating capabilities in AI, digital health, and novel therapeutic modalities to identify and advance breakthrough opportunities in neuroscience and beyond. Working collaboratively with Research functions, you will bridge Sanofi's global R&D network and China's rapidly evolving biotech landscape, establishing two-way innovation flow that accelerates breakthrough therapies for patients worldwide.
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:
As an Entrepreneur in Residence, you will identify and evaluate breakthrough opportunities combining scientific excellence with strategic business value to accelerate Sanofi's portfolio expansion through Intrépide Research Lab(s).
Apply biology (Neuroscience preferred) and medicinal chemistry expertise to discover and advance novel therapeutic targets, MoA and drug opportunities that are white space or adjacent to current Therapeutic Area portfolio focus
Play a key role in establishing infrastructure and processes with startup discipline
Leverage strategic partnership across the innovation ecosystem—academia, biotech, research institutes, and CROs
Partner with Therapeutic Areas and Intrépide China team to advance technology platforms and/or assets (e.g. PCs), contributing to Sanofi R&D pipeline expansion
Represent Sanofi Intrépide through publications, patents, and key conferences
Mentor scientists across cultural and geographic boundaries, leading diverse multicultural teams
Influence scientific decision-making at therapeutic area and platform levels
Guide professional development of Research Lab members
Develop comprehensive plans to achieve scientific and business objectives within Intrépide
Forecast and manage trench budget investment of IRL(s), including cross-border projects as fit
Build constructive relationships across organizational and cultural boundaries for successful IRL execution
About You
Required Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
PhD + minimum 10 years relevant drug discovery experience
Biotech experience is a must
Scientific Excellence:
Outstanding track record of publications, presentations, and patents as leading authors
Proven significant project impact as key scientific contributor
Recognized expertise in biology (immunology, neurobiology or oncology) and small synthetic molecules or biologics discovery
Experience applying high-level scientific judgment in complex situations
Leadership & Influence:
Ability to influence scientific judgment across cultural contexts
Successful experience leading multidisciplinary and multicultural teams
Track record of bridging Eastern and Western scientific approaches
Experience working independently while gathering input from diverse stakeholders
Experience working with China CROs
This role requires an entrepreneurial mindset, scientific rigor, and the ability to bridge Chinese and global research communities.
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 a 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.
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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.
Pursue Progress. Discover Extraordinary.
Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science - where your growth can be just as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and do what’s never-been-done-before. You’ll help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions that reach the communities we serve. Ready to chase the miracles of science and improve people’s lives? Let’s Pursue Progress and Discover Extraordinary – together.
At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Watch 'One day at Sanofi' and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives at sanofi.com
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Why work with us
- Expand your horizons. Grow through curiosity, with support to move, learn, and lead in a culture that champions mentorship, mobility, and bold development.
- Accelerate results with technology. Harness the power of AI and automation to push scientific boundaries and reimagine what's possible in drug discovery.
- Impact through inclusive innovation. Help deliver better science and fairer outcomes by driving inclusive research that reaches more people, in more meaningful ways.
- Turn patient needs into breakthrough science. Drive scientific breakthroughs that start with patient needs – and end in treatments that change lives.
Meet Nils Libert, Associate Scientist
Meet Nils Libert, an Associate Scientist in Belgium, where he plays a key role in advancing groundbreaking research. Learn how his work helps drive innovation, uncover new scientific possibilities, and contribute to life-changing treatments that impact patients around the world.
"At Sanofi, we are building an R&D engine powered by the best science, digital innovation, and a commitment to transforming the lives of patients around the world."
Houman Ashrafian
EVP & Head of R&D
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Our R&D focus areas
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