Director, External R&D

Job Title: Director, External R&D

Location: Waltham, MA or Swiftwater, PA

About the Job

The Director, External R&D (ER&D) will be responsible for sustaining Sanofi Vaccines’ portfolio of new vaccines, vaccine candidates and vaccine technologies by identifying, evaluating and developing strategic partnerships with the global external network of public and private industry organizations. The position will report to and will work closely with the Global Head, External R&D, Vaccines R&D.

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.

Main Responsibilities:

• Proactively scan the external network of companies, academic institutions and government sponsored R&D organizations to identify and evaluate scientific and technological innovations relevant to the business of Sanofi Vaccines.

• As a member of the ER&D team, develop and maintain the relationships with the vast network of external organizations through various platforms such as participating in partnering meetings and networking conferences, e.g., World Vaccine Congress, BIO, JPMorgan Healthcare, etc.

• Provide a critical scientific and technical analyses of the external opportunities and collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., R&D, Medical Affairs, Franchise Strategy) to formulate the basis for recommendations on the external innovations. 

• Work closely with the Business Development and Legal teams to support business negotiations with potential external partners; provide scientific and technical input to support the constructive negotiations, accurate deal structure evaluations and appropriate deal structure; support the evaluation of the external party's confidential technical/due diligence materials by assembling the evaluation team, coordinating the interactions with the partner and contributing to the final technical due-diligence report.

• Present to the Vaccines Leadership the outcomes of the assessments arising from the external company engagements to Vaccine Leadership as well as governance committees, including the External Innovation Evaluation Committee (EIEC), Therapeutic Area Review Committee (TARC), as appropriate.

• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders (R&D functions, mRNA Center of Excellence, Vaccine Portfolio Strategy, Vaccine Medical Affairs, Vaccine Public Franchise) to align the external engagement strategies with the needs and priorities of the organizations. 

• Work collaboratively with other teams within the External Scientific Affairs (ESA) organization to advance the mission of the ESA, including scouting for licensing/acquisitions, external funding, and vaccine innovation projects. 

About You

Minimum Requirements:

• M.D. or Ph.D. in bacteriology, virology, immunology, non-infectious disease, or other scientific discipline

• 7+ years of post-graduate experience

Skills & Capabilities:

• Experience in Vaccines R&D and external partnering preferred

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills - ability to work with individuals at different levels and managing through influence

• Resourceful, entrepreneurial, and constantly up-to-date with vaccine-relevant innovation opportunities for Sanofi Vaccines

• Demonstrated team and negotiation skills

• Fluent English communication skills, verbal and written and ability to work in an international context

• Up to 15% per year of domestic or international travel

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 workf