Strategic Advisor to Chief of Scientific Officer, China R&D
Beijing, ChinaShanghai, China Fixed Term (Fixed Term) Posted on Aug. 01, 2025 Closing on Sep. 30, 2025
About the Job
In today's fast-paced innovation landscape, China's biotech ecosystem demands our strategic attention. By establishing real-time monitoring of breakthrough opportunities and maintaining strong scientific leadership presence, we can quickly identify emerging trends and adapt our global R&D strategy accordingly. Our active engagement and senior representation in China's innovation community not only attracts top talent and partnerships but also creates vital connections between local innovators and Sanofi's Global R&D network. This strategic positioning strengthens our research capabilities and establishes Sanofi as a preferred partner in this competitive market, enabling us to effectively capitalize on China's dynamic innovation ecosystem.
The Strategic Advisor to Chief Scientific Officer, China, is a key executive position reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer/Global Head of Research, tasked with elevating Sanofi's R&D presence in China's dynamic innovation landscape. This strategic role drives external engagement with key ecosystem players, cultivates essential government relationships, and ensures seamless integration of Sanofi into China's biotechnology community. The position plays a pivotal role in shaping China R&D strategy while serving as a crucial bridge between local operations and global R&D initiatives and key partners across the entire value chain of our drug discovery and development efforts, enabling Sanofi to effectively capture breakthrough opportunities in this rapidly evolving market.
Main Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
oProvide expert insights on China's healthcare ecosystem and R&D landscape to inform global R&D leadership strategy and decision making
oAnticipate necessary strategic shifts to remain competitive in capturing local innovation to enhance global R&D pipeline (expansion and sustainability)
oAdvise Chief Scientific Officer on China R&D strategic developments, opportunities and implementation and execution roadmaps and recommend strategic initiatives to capture local innovation opportunities and strengthen global R&D pipeline
oCollaborate with China R&D Country Lead and functional heads to create an exciting, industry-leading environment that attracts and retains top talent
oAdvise on alignment between China Global Business Unit and Global R&D organization
External Representation & Advocacy
oOn behalf of Sanofi, advise on science and technology advancement through collaborations with government agencies
oRepresent Sanofi R&D at high-level government interactions and premier industry forums in China
oAdvocate for Sanofi's Global R&D vision to external community and local ecosystem
oProvide counsel on enhancing Sanofi’s standing in China’s dynamic pharmaceutical landscape
oChampion Sanofi-organized or industry innovation events to showcase our science, and effective interaction with local ecosystem, positioning Sanofi as an innovation leader and a preferred business partner in the Chinese market
External Ecosystem Engagement
oResearch and identify emerging innovation hubs across major Chinese cities
oCultivate strategic relationships with key external stakeholders in China's healthcare ecosystem
oDrive strategic integration into the Chinese innovation ecosystem through collaborations with R&D Global functions in China
oPropose strategies for engaging with and participate in regular touchpoints with leading Chinese venture capital firms, top academic institutions, universities and research hospitals, and government agencies
About You
Basic Qualifications:
oMD, PhD, or equivalent advanced degree in life sciences or related field
oMinimum 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in biopharma R&D
oDemonstrated success in leading and delivering value from within complex R&D organizations
oExperience in the Chinese pharmaceutical/biotech landscape
Preferred Qualifications:
oVisionary leadership with ability to inspire and align diverse teams
oExcellent cross-cultural communication and relationship-building skills
oDemonstrated ability to influence outside of direct reporting lines
oStrong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and corporate social responsibility
oDeep understanding of the Chinese healthcare system, regulatory environment, and innovation ecosystem
oStrong track record of building external partnerships and government relations
oExceptional strategic thinking and business acumen
oProven ability to navigate complex global organizations while driving local initiatives
Why Choose Us?
oBring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
oDiscover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.
oEnjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.
oTake 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 le
nullPursue 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.
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Sanofi careers in China
From research and engineering to sales, we're all working toward the same ambitious goal – halving the time from discovery to therapy. Our people develop incredible careers, alongside 40 new innovative drugs and vaccines for China. We also support the national health department in preparing for China 2030. It's how we've become a China Top Employer and have continued to grow since opening our first China site in 1982.
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