R&D
Where your curiosity drives the
miracles of
science
R&D Operations Lead
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.
Title: R2843463 R&D Operations Lead
Location:Belgium / Gent
Work Arrangements:Hybrid (3 days on site, 2 days home office)
About the Job
As R&D Operations Lead within our R&D Operations Scientific Services team, you'll help define the future of Scientific Services Delivery Support, explore innovative collaboration tools, optimize equipment fleet management, and shape our Purpose-driven culture.
We're seeking a self-motivated, collaborative change agent with a passion for technology and strong knowledge of scientific equipment fleet management. This highly visible role connects you with stakeholders across R&D, offering opportunities to influence processes and exercise change management strategies.
You'll implement and optimize equipment management processes locally while aligning with global strategies, driving operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Working with the Head of Equipment Fleet Management and Site Leadership, you'll translate global strategies into local actions tailored to site-specific needs.
Main responsibilities
Act as local Single Point of Contact for R&D Operations scientific services;
organize User Board meetings and coordinate action plans
Manage Lab Asset Maintenance Management (LAMM) programs and fleet optimization strategies
Coordinate equipment traceability, utilization monitoring, and periodic inventory control
Develop and report on KPIs for service delivery, financial performance, compliance, and sustainability
Manage strategic vendor partnerships and coordinate metrology/lab emergency response needs
Support business case development, risk assessment, and equipment lifecycle management
About you
Experience:
3-5 years in laboratory operations or equipment management
Biopharmaceutical R&D experience preferred
Familiarity with lab asset management systems, GxP requirements, and equipment validation
Experience with data analytics and equipment lifecycle management
Skills:
Strong project management, organizational, and change management abilities
Excellent communication and stakeholder management across all levels
Analytical mindset with process improvement experience (Lean, Six Sigma a plus)
Ability to work in a global, matrix organization
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Education: Master's degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or related field, PM certification a plus
Languages:Dutch & English languages are a must to have, French language is a plus
Why choose us?
Shape the future of scientific services supporting R&D activities
Work at the forefront of drug discovery using AI, data, and digital platforms
Collaborate across science, clinical, and digital fields to drive breakthroughs
Help improve millions of lives globally
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.
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
Discover how we're reshaping the future of medicine through immunoscience – unlocking bold, cross-disease breakthroughs that were unimaginable just a decade ago.
Meet Sanofians in the labs
Step inside our labs and hear from the scientists turning cutting-edge science into real-world impact – driven by curiosity, collaboration, and purpose.
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