Digital Research Strategy Lead

Job Title: Digital Research Strategy Lead

Location: Cambridge, MA OR Morristown, NJ

We are an innovative global healthcare company, driven by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. Our team, across some 100 countries, is dedicated to transforming the practice of medicine by working to turn the impossible into the possible. We provide potentially life-changing treatment options and life-saving vaccine protection to millions of people globally, while putting sustainability and social responsibility at the center of our ambitions.

We are seeking a Digital Research Strategy Lead to drive our digital strategy by identifying emerging technologies, market trends, and strategic opportunities that will shape the future of R&D.  This role requires a deep understanding of the digital and technology landscape in Research, a strong ability to scout and assess innovative solutions, and a strategic mindset to align digital initiatives with business objectives. The ideal candidate will have experience in digital transformation, ecosystem scouting, and the ability to translate market intelligence into actionable roadmaps for R&D 

Main Responsibilities: 

Strategic planning and execution

• Contribute to the overall digital transformation strategy of Sanofi, working closely with other digital leaders across the organization. 

• Partner with internal experts and digital R&D leadership team to develop a modern digital strategy that supports R&D operations and drive innovation 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prioritize and integrate digital capabilities into the R&D pipeline 

• Translate technology insights into strategic recommendations, roadmaps, and investment opportunities  

• Collaborate with core digital and enterprise digital functions to support a holistic approach of delivery 

• Drive the adoption of enterprise initiatives such as product operating model and digital governance 

• Drives strategy roadmap, challenges initiatives with scenario planning and supports execution with data analysis and KPIs 

Technology scouting and market intelligence

• Continuously monitor and analyze emerging technologies (AI/ML, digital therapeutics, quantum computing, synthetic data etc) and assess the impact on R&D 

• Work with Digital’s Core Functions (Partnerships, Legal, etc.) to identify, evaluate, and build partnerships with startups, academic institutions, and technology vendors 

• Lead technology landscaping efforts to ensure early adoptions of innovations that align with business needs 

• Provide insights on competitive trends, regulatory shifts, and disruptive innovations shaping the future of digital R&D 

• Promote technological advances, creating an environment where people and technology thrive together  

Innovation & Ecosystem Development

• Foster relationships with external partners, incubators, accelerators, and venture capital firms to stay ahead of the innovation curve 

• Build and manage an innovation portfolio, ensuring alignment with R&D priorities and goals 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive pilot programs and proof-of-concept initiatives to validate the potential impact of new technologies 

• Work as part of a team of problem solvers of complex business issues from strategy to execution 

About You

Qualifications: 

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required.  (A master’s degree in science, Engineering, or MBA degree preferred) 

• A minimum of 4-5 years of experience in health or life sciences (pharma R&D preferred) 

• Minimum 5 years focused on digital strategy, technology scouting, or innovation management.

• Strong understanding of emerging technologies such as AI/ML, computational sciences, digital health, and data-driven R&D 

• Experience working with startups, technology incubators, venture capital firms, and academic research institutions  

• Proven track record of successfully leading digital transformation initiatives in a complex R&D environment 

• Deep understanding of emerging technologies and their applications in drug discovery and development 

• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams 

• Direct experience leading teams with demonstrable skills developing people and capabilities in a matrixed, multi-cultural, global organization 

• Ability to be present in Sanofi offices compliant with policies, currently 3 days per week on average 

• Ability to travel up to 25% overall to Sanofi headquarters and major R&D centers globally 

• Seasoned team player with outstanding communication skills, positive attitude, and confident demeanor. 

• Successful at building a culture of performance and accountability with an orientation to measurable results 

This is an exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to shape the future of Digital R&D through cutting-edge technology and strategic vision. If you are passionate about innovation and digital transformation, we encourage you to apply! 

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.

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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.