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Distinguished Scientist

Cambridge, Massachusetts Permanent Posted on   Jan. 05, 2026
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Job Title: Distinguished Scientist

Location: Cambridge, MA

About the Job

Join the engine of Sanofi’s mission — where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, you’ll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions.

Overview:

This is strategic scientific leadership role in the Neurology research therapeutic area that will lead multiple cross-functional teams and initiatives with the responsibility of shaping the strategic and  scientific direction for neurology drug discovery. This role will identify, build and execute on novel targets across multiple programs with the aim of delivering innovative and robust pre-clinical drug candidate packages for clinical testing. The incumbent will have an established record of significantly advancing R&D goals and will maintain a national and international reputation in the neuroscience community.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Innovative and creative thinker and leader who applies disease area knowledge and uses cutting-edge technology to identify novel targets implicated in neurodegenerative disease

  • Lead a team of cross-functional scientists with the goal of delivering robust preclinical packages enabled by biomarkers across multiple modalities

  • Provide scientific insight and direction for multiple research programs using a  diversity of modalities

  • Integrate large, diverse and complex  data sets from multiple sources to inform on the most robust targets and pathways implicated in disease progression

  • Establish and manage key external collaborations

  • Establish project priorities and resource allocations to ensure the highest impact

  • Leads by example across disciplines to execute on therapeutic area objectives

  • Ability to identify multidisciplinary solutions and recommend a course of action in ambiguous situations

  • Contributes to the vision, mission and tactics of the research therapeutic area and beyond

  • Support due diligence activities, competitive assessments, and evaluation of external opportunities

  • Serves as an inspirational leader within group, therapeutic area and beyond

Required Qualifications

  • 8+ years post-PhD within biopharma or academic research setting with demonstrated progression of scientific leadership and impact

  • Minimum required skills: Outstanding track record of scientific accomplishment as a leader and innovator in neuroscience, or genetics recognized nationally for significant contributions. Demonstrated ability to exercise foresight and judgement in planning, organizing and guiding complex projects with track record of successfully applying high-level scientific judgement in complex and unprecedented situations. Sought out as an internal consultant for scientific judgement.

  • Technical skills: Recognized scientific and subject matter expert with outstanding track record of high-impact scientific publications as senior/corresponding author in top-tier journals, patents, and successful IND filings. Demonstrated ability to lead parts of regulatory submissions.

  • Language/communication requirements:  Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to convey complex science to diverse audiences including senior leadership, regulatory agencies, and external scientific community

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD with 8+ years of post-doctoral biopharma experience with demonstrated scientific leadership

  • Outstanding track record of scientific publications in high-impact journals with multiple publications as senior/corresponding author demonstrating thought leadership in neuroscience

  • Established national and international reputation as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in neuroscience, as evidenced by:

  • Frequent invitations to present at major international scientific conferences

  • Leadership roles in professional societies (e.g., Society for Neuroscience, American Neurological Association)

  • Service on editorial boards, grant review panels, or scientific advisory boards

  • Recognition through scientific awards or honors

  • Demonstrated ability to lead and influence across R&D through:

  • Successful leadership of multidisciplinary teams achieving department/project objectives

  • Influential leadership outside of formal organizational structure

  • Track record of shaping scientific direction and influencing portfolio decisions

  • Strong business acumen with experience in due diligence, competitive intelligence, and strategic partnership evaluation

  • Highly self-directed and proactive with demonstrated ability to work independently in ambiguous situations and identify multidisciplinary solutions

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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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.

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