Vaccines
Where
extraordinary minds
help protect  half a billion people

About the job

In the context of the R&D evolution, our position is currently in Project Status, where the scope of this position may continue to evolve.

External Innovation & Pipeline Value
• Develop and implement a comprehensive external innovation and partnership strategy aligned with portfolio priorities.
• Drive measurable pipeline value through licensing, co-development, strategic partnerships, and technology acquisitions.
• Identify, assess, and integrate emerging scientific opportunities and technologies.
• Establish collaboration models that maximize scientific value while protecting intellectual property and strategic interests.

Opportunity Assessment & Governance
• Lead scientific, strategic, and risk-based evaluation of external opportunities.
• Coordinate cross-functional due diligence of potential partners, technologies, and assets.
• Define partnership KPIs, governance processes, and value-tracking mechanisms.
• Provide clear recommendations to support portfolio and investment decisions.

Partnerships & External Funding
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with academic institutions, biotech companies, government agencies, and global health organizations.
• Identify and secure external funding opportunities, including BARDA, CEPI, NIH, Horizon Europe, and other public-private initiatives.
• Represent Sanofi in pandemic preparedness programs, policy discussions, and industry consortia.

Cross-Functional Leadership
• Ensure seamless integration of external partnerships into R&D processes.
• Collaborate closely with Business Development and other functions to align scientific and commercial objectives.
• Create value across Vaccines R&D and the broader Sanofi organization through strategic collaborations.

Scientific Leadership
• Strengthen Sanofi’s scientific reputation through partnerships, publications, and high-profile initiatives.
• Represent Sanofi in scientific, industry, and policy forums.
• Position Vaccines R&D as a preferred partner for breakthrough innovation.

Responsibilities

As a Vaccines GBU and Sanofi Leader
• Contribute to the short-, medium-, and long-term vision and strategy of Vaccines and Sanofi.
• Represent Sanofi and Vaccines R&D internally and externally.
• Foster collaboration across functions and business units.

As a VRDLT Member
• Contribute to Vaccines R&D strategy, portfolio decisions, and organizational priorities.
• Drive cross-functional alignment and constructive challenge.
• Communicate progress, risks, and opportunities transparently.
• Identify external opportunities that accelerate strategic objectives.

As a People Leader
• Lead and develop the Scientific & Strategic Partnerships team.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Manage resources and priorities to support portfolio needs and long-term goals.
• Foster employee engagement, talent development, and organizational effectiveness.

About you

Education
• PhD, MD/PhD, or MD in Immunology, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Vaccinology, or a related field.
• Postdoctoral training, MBA, or business education is advantageous.
Experience
• 15+ years of experience in vaccines, immunology, infectious diseases, or related areas.
• 10+ years of experience in partnerships, licensing, business development, or external innovation.
• 8+ years of leadership experience in cross-functional organizations.
• Demonstrated success in identifying and executing strategic partnerships that create pipeline value.
Expertise
• Strong understanding of vaccine science, immunology, translational medicine, and emerging technologies.
• Expertise in scientific due diligence, asset evaluation, competitive intelligence, and portfolio assessment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Leadership Profile
• Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset with strong scientific curiosity.
• Decisive, collaborative, and comfortable operating in complex environments.

Languages: Full professional proficiency in English required; French is a strong asset.

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
• Lead one of the industry's most ambitious external innovation agendas, shaping the future of Sanofi's global vaccine pipeline
• Build and influence a world-class ecosystem of academic, biotech, and global health partnerships at the forefront of pandemic preparedness
• Work from Marcy l'Etoile, Europe's leading R&D hub for vaccine innovation, with true global impact and access to Sanofi's worldwide network
• Benefit from flexible hybrid work arrangements supporting work-life balance while being part of a multicultural, international team
• Access to executive development programs and international mobility opportunities within Sanofi's global R&D organization

PursueProgress. Discover Extraordinary.

Progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. You can be one of those people. Chasing change, embracing new ideas and exploring all the opportunities we have to offer. Let’s pursue progress. And let’s 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, or gender identity.

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!

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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.

Watch 'One day at Sanofi' and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives at sanofi.com