Innovation Lead

Innovation Lead

• Location: Waltham, MA
• Remote Work: Hybrid
• Job Type: Full Time

The Global R&D Innovation/Emerging Science Project Lead will be responsible for identifying and investing in external opportunities at the cutting edge of vaccine research and development with the potential for transformative advances in the way vaccines of the future are discovered, developed, and evaluated. The Innovation Project Lead will have under their direction one or more programs, funded by Sanofi Vaccines R&D and managed collaboratively with an external academic, biotech or government partner. Reporting to the Global Head, R&D Innovation/Emerging Sciences, the Project Head is responsible for providing strategic, strong scientific, and operational leadership of each innovation project while maintaining timelines and budget with a focus on North American partnerships. 

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in any of the following areas of vaccine science – bacteriology, virology, and/or immunology with experience in the development of immune-based prophylactic or therapeutic approaches and a strong entrepreneurial, curious mindset.  The scope of the program under the Innovation Lead includes developing solutions against infectious diseases and non-communicable chronic diseases.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES/ ACCOUNTABLITIES:

• Under the supervision of the Global Head, the Project Lead will contribute to the development of the Global R&D Innovation Roadmap, including priority areas for investments

• Identify, engage external stakeholders, advisors, and partners/collaborators that will enable the execution of the innovation projects and develop the workplan, budget and deliverables for the sponsored program.

• Participate and conduct several initiatives (e.g., pitching competitions, AI tools) to search for external innovation programs that can be transformative or game changing

• Serve as the key point of contact for the program and provide regular updates to key governance groups within Sanofi Vaccines for validation of the scientific investments, scientific plans and progress against program milestones.

• Represent Sanofi Vaccines at external scientific conferences and international meetings.

• Collaborate with key functions throughout the Sanofi Vaccines (e.g., External R&D, Alliance Management, Early and Late Development Portfolio Groups) with innovation teams from other therapeutic areas to leverage Sanofi-wide “Open Innovation” platforms and initiatives

• The successful candidate will need to continue engaging key scientific leaders across the vaccine science space (e.g., scientific advisory boards, consultations) to identify emerging areas where future investments can be made.

• As the position involves scouting for external innovation, travel within North America will be involved.

• REQUIREMENTS:

• Ph.D. in any of the relevant fields – bacteriology, virology, immunology, or a related discipline or an M.D. or Pharm.D.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Vaccines, Immunology, or Infectious Disease R&D

• Resourceful, highly entrepreneurial, and knowledgeable in scouting/networking for potential external partners and following emerging trends in biomedical innovations.

• Project leadership, management, budget management and/or management experience required

• Proficiency in managing by influence

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills - ability to work with individuals at different levels

• Agent of change

• Fluent English communication skills, verbal and written; fluency in French a plus

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