R&D
Where your curiosity drives the
miracles of
science
Head of Computational and AI Strategy Management Office, R&D
At a glance
Bring your curiosity to a team where deep immunoscience meets cutting-edge innovation. Across oncology, rare diseases, neurology, and vaccines, you’ll work at the intersection of lab science and AI-powered discovery — all while collaborating across boundaries to turn breakthrough ideas into real-world impact. Whether you want to deepen your scientific expertise or grow as a leader, you’ll find the opportunity here.
Job title: Head of Computational and AI Strategy Management Office, Research and Development
Location: Cambridge, MA
About the job:
As the Head of Computational and AI Strategy Management Office, you’ll be executing Sanofi’s AI-driven transformation across the R&D value chain. Ready to get started?
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.
Sanofi is seeking a highly strategic and execution-oriented leader to serve as Head of the Computational & AI Strategy Management Office within R&D.
Reporting to the Global Head of Computational & AI Strategy, this role will act as a central orchestrator and strategic integrator, enabling the successful execution of Sanofi’s AI-driven transformation across the R&D value chain.
This position operates at the intersection of strategy, governance, execution, and external innovation, ensuring that priorities are clearly defined, investments are aligned to value, and initiatives are executed with speed and discipline.
The role requires an individual who can translate complex strategy into actionable plans, lead cross-functional coordination at scale, and serve as a trusted partner to senior leadership across R&D, Digital, and external ecosystems.
About Sanofi:
We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.
Main Responsibilities:
1. Strategy Development & Translation
Support definition and evolution of the Computational & AI Strategy for R&D, translating enterprise ambition into clear strategic themes and priorities
Lead development of compelling strategic narratives and materials for leadership forums (R&D LT, ExCom interactions, external engagements)
Structure and drive a repeatable approach to strategy development, including:
Framing strategic opportunities and challenges
Defining actionable approaches and investment priorities
Developing clear recommendations grounded in data and insights
2. Governance, Investment & Decision Support
Help design and operationalize AI and digital investment prioritization across R&D functions
Assist in the development of business cases and investment proposals, incorporating:
Scientific and technical impact
Cost, timeline, and resource constraints
Expected value creation and ROI
Support preparation of materials for R&D leadership and executive-level reviews
3. Operating Rhythm & Execution Management
Establish and manage the operating cadence of the Computational & AI Strategy organization, including:
Leadership team meetings
Strategic reviews and deep dives
Initiative tracking and follow-up
Ensure disciplined execution of key initiatives through:
Clear definition of milestones and deliverables
Tracking of Progress and identification of risks
Proactive escalation and resolution of issues
Act as a central hub to remove friction and accelerate execution
4. Strategic Partnering & External Innovation
Support development of a targeted external engagement strategy aligned to Computational & AI priorities
Help identify and assess strategic partnership opportunities (AI platforms, biotech, technology, startups)
Coordinate cross-functional evaluation of opportunities including:
Scientific, technical, regulatory, and commercial considerations
Financial and strategic fit
Contribute to development of deal rationale, positioning, and internal alignment
Help position Sanofi as a partner of choice in AI-driven R&D innovation ecosystems
5. Cross-Functional Alignment & Stakeholder Management
Act as a central integrator across R&D, Digital, Data, IT, and partner organizations
Lead cross-functional coordination across:
Research platforms
Clinical and development functions
Digital and AI teams
Ensure alignment on priorities, roles, and responsibilities across a highly matrixed environment
Build strong relationships with senior leaders and serve as a trusted advisor and problem solver
6. Strategic Insights & Landscape Analysis
Monitor emerging trends in AI, data, and computational science relevant to R&D
Assess competitive landscape, external capabilities, and new opportunities
Translate insights into strategic recommendations and implications for Sanofi
Support development of points-of-view on where to “build, buy, or partner”
7. Continuous Improvement of Operating Model
Identify opportunities to improve the operating model, governance, and decision-making processes
Help drive development of scalable frameworks, KPIs, and performance tracking mechanisms
Institutionalize best practices across strategy development, execution, and partnership evaluation
About You
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum of 5+ years of experience in strategy, operations, consulting, or related fields
Demonstrated experience operating in a global, matrixed organization
Proven ability to drive strategic initiatives from concept to execution
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree (MBA, PhD, or equivalent)
Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare industries
Experience in digital, AI, or data-driven organizations
Experience in strategic partnering, business development, or external innovation
Experience building business cases, investment decks, or executive-level materials
Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing senior stakeholders
Core Competencies:
Strategic thinking and structured problem-solving
Ability to translate strategy into execution
Strong business acumen and financial understanding
Executive communication and storytelling skills
Stakeholder management and influence at senior levels
Ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and complexity
High level of ownership, initiative, and accountability
Working Conditions:
Office-based role in Cambridge, MA or Paris, France
Regular interaction across global time zones
Occasional travel may be required
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.
This role offers a unique opportunity to operate at the center of Sanofi’s transformation into an AI-powered R&D organization. You will play a critical role in shaping strategy, driving execution, and enabling the integration of computational and AI capabilities across the full R&D value chain.
Sanofi US Services and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive 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.
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.
Watch 'One day at Sanofi' and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives at sanofi.com
Final compensation will be determined based on demonstrated experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs.
Find out more about this location
Why work with us
- Expand your horizons. Grow through curiosity, with support to move, learn, and lead in a culture that champions mentorship, mobility, and bold development.
- Accelerate results with technology. Harness the power of AI and automation to push scientific boundaries and reimagine what's possible in drug discovery.
- Impact through inclusive innovation. Help deliver better science and fairer outcomes by driving inclusive research that reaches more people, in more meaningful ways.
- Turn patient needs into breakthrough science. Drive scientific breakthroughs that start with patient needs – and end in treatments that change lives.
Meet Nils Libert, Associate Scientist
Meet Nils Libert, an Associate Scientist in Belgium, where he plays a key role in advancing groundbreaking research. Learn how his work helps drive innovation, uncover new scientific possibilities, and contribute to life-changing treatments that impact patients around the world.
"At Sanofi, we are building an R&D engine powered by the best science, digital innovation, and a commitment to transforming the lives of patients around the world."
Houman Ashrafian
EVP & Head of R&D
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