Head of Retinal Immunology and Neuroinflammation

Job Title: Head of Retinal Immunology and Neuroinflammation

Location: Cambridge, MA

About the Job

Are you ready to shape the future of medicine? The race is on to speed up drug discovery and development to find answers for patients and their families. Your skills could be critical in helping our teams accelerate progress. 

Sanofi is seeking an accomplished scientist to lead the Retinal Immunology and Neuroinflammation group in Ophthalmology Research. The Head of Retinal Immunology and Neuroinflammation will provide strategic scientific leadership in understanding and targeting immune and neuroinflammatory mechanisms underlying retinal diseases to advance our Ophthalmology research pipeline. This role will drive the evaluation and validation of neuroinflammatory targets in retinal disease, utilizing cutting-edge approaches including drug and genetic perturbations at scale. The group head will work closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to advance the discovery and development of novel immunomodulatory and anti-neuroinflammatory therapies for ophthalmologic diseases, including retinal diseases, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other vision-related conditions. The successful candidate will shape scientific strategies, provide thought leadership, demonstrate exceptional scientific judgment, and serve as a recognized authority within Sanofi and the broader scientific community in the field of retinal immunology and neuroinflammation. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Ophthalmology Research and bring transformative treatments to patients around the world.

We are an innovative global healthcare company with one purpose: to chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. We’re also a company where you can flourish and grow your career, with countless opportunities to explore, make connections with people, and stretch the limits of what you thought was possible. Ready to get started?

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and validation of retinal immunology and neuroinflammation research programs in Ophthalmology Research

• Drive the evaluation and validation of neuroinflammatory targets in retinal disease using state-of-the-art methodologies

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies for target identification and validation in retinal neuroinflammation

• Drive the application of cutting-edge technologies including high-throughput screening, drug perturbations using various modalities, CRISPR-based genetic perturbations, and multi-omics approaches

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate immunology and neuroinflammation insights into drug discovery workflows

• Shape and drive scientific strategies that support long-term goals at the Therapeutic Area level

• Identify and develop multidisciplinary solutions that influence the strategic direction of multiple drug discovery projects

• Manage complex projects with high uncertainty of successful outcomes

• Foster external collaborations and maintain high visibility in the scientific community

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of scientists in the Retinal Immunology and Neuroinflammation group in Ophthalmology Research

• Contribute to the scientific community through high-impact publications, patents, and presentations at major conferences

• Manage resources effectively, including personnel, budget, and technology requirements

About You

Basic Qualifications:

• Earned PhD in Immunology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Ophthalmology, or related field with minimum 10 years of relevant research experience in biopharmaceutical or academic settings

• Demonstrated expertise in (retinal) immunology and neuroinflammation mechanisms

• Understanding of complement system and other immune pathways relevant to retinal disease

• Extensive experience in evaluation and validation of neuroinflammatory targets in retinal or neurological disease

• Proven expertise in designing and executing single, dual, and multiplex drug and genetic perturbation studies at scale

• Strong understanding of retinal pathophysiology, immune mechanisms, and drug discovery processes

• Experience with high-throughput screening technologies and genetic perturbation methods (CRISPR, RNAi)

• Experience in translational research and drug development

• Proven track record in advancing ophthalmology research from early discovery through preclinical and translational stages

• Experience leading cross-functional teams and research programs

• Outstanding track record of scientific publications, presentations, and patents as leading contributor or senior author

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with multi-omics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) in retinal disease research

• Knowledge of advanced imaging technologies and high-content analysis methods for retinal tissues and cell types

• Experience with automated high-throughput screening platforms and robotics

• Track record of securing research funding or managing substantial research budgets

• Active participation in professional societies and scientific advisory boards

• Experience in developing and implementing digital solutions for data analysis and target validation

• Familiarity with the ophthalmic regulatory landscape and experience in drafting documents for Investigational New Drug (IND) applications with agencies like the FDA and EMA

• A network of strong external collaborations with leading academic institutions and research centers in ophthalmology and immunology

• Experience with biomarker development and translational medicine approaches

Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence multidisciplinary teams

• Outstanding scientific judgment in complex and ambiguous situations

• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Strong collaborative leadership across multiple functions and domains

• Ability to work independently while aligning with organizational objectives

• Strong mentoring and talent development capabilities

• Excellent project and resource management skills

• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and challenge status quo

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

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.