Senior Translational Immunologist, Translational Science Hub

About the job

• Job title: Senior Scientist, External Innovation
• Location: Woolloongabba, Australia
• Job type: Permanent, Full time

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Scientist, External Innovation to serve as a critical bridge between Sanofi's TSH and the vibrant academic and research ecosystem across Queensland and Australia. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of translational science by identifying, evaluating, and fostering strategic collaborations that bring cutting-edge academic expertise and capabilities into Sanofi's innovation pipeline. 

As a key member of the TSH team, you will be an opportunity seeker and scientific scout—proactively engaging with academic institutions, research centers, and scientific experts to identify breakthrough technologies, methodologies, and research programs that align with Sanofi's strategic priorities in immunology, infectious diseases, vaccines, and beyond. 

Our Team

Sanofi's Translational Science Hub (TSH) connects the external academic and research ecosystem with Sanofi's vaccines R&D innovation pipeline. We act as the bridge between breakthrough science happening in universities and research institutes, and the strategic priorities of our global vaccines business — turning promising discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases and related fields into real partnerships that advance human health.

What You'll Do

Strategic External Engagement & Opportunity Identification

• Build and maintain relationships with leading academics, research institutions, and scientific experts across Queensland, Australia, and APAC 

• Serve as Sanofi's "eyes and ears" in the external scientific community, identifying emerging capabilities, technologies, and research programs with potential value for Sanofi vaccines R&D 

• Assess scientific quality, strategic fit, and commercial potential of external opportunities, working closely with the Global Scientific and Strategic Partnership team 

• Represent Sanofi at scientific conferences, symposia, and academic forums 

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work transversally across departments of vaccines R&D to align external innovation with internal priorities and capability gaps 

• Translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences, from bench scientists to senior leadership 

• Champion and facilitate external collaborations, including research proposals, agreements, joint publications, and knowledge exchange 

• Monitor ongoing collaborations to ensure delivery of value and scientific excellence 

Scientific Leadership

• Stay at the forefront of advances in immunology, infectious diseases, vaccines, chemistry, bioinformatics, and physiology 

• Contribute insights on emerging trends and technologies to shape Sanofi's scientific strategy 

• Mentor junior scientists and foster a culture of external innovation within the TSH 

About You 

Essential Qualifications & Experience 

• PhD in immunology, infectious diseases, vaccinology, or related life sciences discipline (or equivalent research experience) 
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in academic research (or industry?), with a strong publication record and demonstrated scientific excellence 
• Deep scientific expertise in immunology, infectious diseases, and/or vaccines, with proven ability to work effectively across diverse scientific disciplines  
• Demonstrated track record of building and maintaining productive collaborations with academic institutions, research organizations, or industry partners 
• Strong understanding of the academic research landscape in Australia and internationally, with established networks in relevant scientific communities 
  

Key Competencies & Attributes

• Independent yet collaborative: Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision while thriving in team environments and fostering a highly collaborative mindset 
• Transversal influencer: Proven ability to work across organizational boundaries, influence without authority, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders 
• Opportunity seeker: Entrepreneurial mindset with a keen eye for identifying high-value scientific opportunities and translating them into actionable partnerships 
• Proactive networker: Natural relationship builder who actively seeks out and engages with academic leaders, researchers, and scientific experts 
• Strategic thinker: Ability to connect scientific opportunities to business value and articulate the strategic rationale for external collaborations 
• Scientific versatility: Intellectual curiosity and ability to quickly grasp complex scientific concepts outside your core expertise 
• Excellent communicator: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present complex scientific information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences 
• Cultural agility: Experience working in multicultural, global organizations and ability to navigate different organizational cultures (academic vs. industry) 
  

Highly Desirable

• Experience in industry, translational research or bridging basic science to clinical applications 
• Familiarity with mRNA technology platforms or vaccine development 
• Prior experience in industry-academic partnerships or technology transfer 
• Understanding of intellectual property, research agreements, and collaboration frameworks 
• Experience with grant writing and research funding mechanisms 
• Knowledge of Australian research funding landscape (NHMRC, ARC, MRFF, etc.) 
• Established network within Queensland's biomedical research ecosystem