Head of Global Strategic and Scientific Partnerships - Vaccines R&D

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.

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. Join our Vaccines R&D Leadership Team at Marcy l'Etoile as Global Head of Scientific & Strategic Partnerships and you'll define and execute our external innovation strategy, identifying and integrating breakthrough science and technologies into Sanofi's vaccine pipeline while building strategic alliances that position us as the partner of choice for vaccine innovation.

We are an innovative global healthcare company that helps the world stay ahead of infectious diseases by delivering more than 500 million vaccine doses a year. Across different countries, our talented teams are exploring new technologies to protect people and promote healthy communities. We chase the miracles of science every single day, pursuing progress to make a real impact on millions of patients around the world.

Our Team

The Scientific & Strategic Partnerships team is at the heart of Sanofi's vaccine innovation strategy. We are a diverse, international group of scientists, business development professionals, and strategic thinkers united by a shared passion for advancing global health through breakthrough vaccine innovation.

Leadership & Structure:

• You will report directly to the Head of Vaccines R&D (Jean-Francois Toussaint)
• You will be a member of the Vaccines R&D Leadership Team (VRDLT), contributing to strategic decisions and portfolio priorities
• You will lead and develop the Scientific & Strategic Partnerships team

What we do:

• Identify and evaluate promising external science and technologies from around the world
• Build strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions, biotech companies, and global health organizations
• Secure external funding to accelerate vaccine development
• Integrate external innovations into Sanofi's vaccine pipeline
• Shape the future of pandemic preparedness and global health security

Who we are:

• A multicultural team based at Marcy l'Etoile, Europe's leading vaccine R&D hub, with global connections
• Scientists with deep expertise in immunology, vaccinology, and translational medicine
• Business development specialists with proven track records in partnerships and licensing
• Collaborative leaders committed to cross-functional alignment and innovation

Our culture:

• We value scientific rigor combined with entrepreneurial thinking
• We communicate transparently and embrace calculated risk-taking
• We celebrate diversity of thought as a source of innovation
• We are committed to work-life balance and professional development

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Main responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external innovation and partnership strategy aligned with Vaccines R&D portfolio priorities
• Drive measurable pipeline value through strategic licensing, co-development agreements, and technology acquisitions that strengthen competitive positioning
• Lead scientific and strategic evaluation of external opportunities, coordinating cross-functional due diligence and providing clear go/no-go recommendations
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with academic institutions, biotech companies, government agencies, and global health organizations across Europe and globally
• Identify and secure external funding opportunities including BARDA, CEPI, NIH, Horizon Europe, and other public-private partnerships
• Represent Sanofi in pandemic preparedness programs, policy discussions, and industry consortia at the highest levels
• Ensure seamless integration of external partnerships into R&D processes in close collaboration with Business Development and cross-functional teams
• Lead and develop the Scientific & Strategic Partnerships team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

About you

• PhD, MD/PhD, or MD in Immunology, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Vaccinology, or related field; MBA or executive business education strongly preferred
• Extensive experience in vaccine research, immunology, or infectious diseases with proven ability to evaluate scientific merit and translational potential
• Strong track record in partnerships, business development, licensing, or external innovation within the biopharmaceutical industry
• Demonstrated success in negotiating and executing strategic partnerships, in-licensing agreements, or technology acquisitions that created measurable pipeline value
• Senior leadership experience managing cross-functional teams in matrixed global organizations
• Proven expertise in securing external funding from government agencies, foundations, or international organizations
• Strategic and entrepreneurial leader with deep scientific curiosity, exceptional negotiation skills, and executive presence
• Experience engaging with European and global health organizations (WHO, GAVI, CEPI, BMGF) is highly valued
• French: full professional proficiency required (essential for working at Marcy l'Etoile and engaging with French stakeholders)
• English: professional fluency (C1/C2) essential for international partnerships and global representation

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

Learn more about Sanofi

• Sanofi Vaccines Division
• Sanofi Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Watch "One day at Sanofi"
• Marcy l'Etoile R&D Hub

Pursue progress, 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!