Head of Global Research - Vaccines

Job Title

Head of Global Research – Vaccines Research and Development

Waltham, MA

The Head of Vaccines Research leads the scientific vision and strategy that transforms cutting‑edge research into breakthrough vaccines, building a world‑class research organization that leverages disease understanding, antigen design, immunology, AI/ML and platform science to deliver transformational vaccines and medicines.

As a senior leader in the Vaccines GBU and Sanofi, the Head of Vaccines Research will:

• Define, build and deliver the short, middle and long‑term vision for the Vaccines GBU and Sanofi.
• Engage key external stakeholders and represent Sanofi, the GBU and Vaccines R&D in external forums.
• Collaborate with leaders across all departments and levels within Sanofi and represent Vaccines R&D in internal forums.
• Partner with peers within the VRDLT, fostering cross‑team collaboration and resolving challenges within and outside VRDLT forums.
• Propose and prepare discussion topics for VRDLT, contributing to productive dialogue and aligning on positions.
• Share timely information—including successes and challenges—and seek assistance in an agile mode.
• Provide feedback to peers and supervisors.
• Engage leaders in Sanofi Pharma R&D to identify scientific collaboration and synergy opportunities.
• Identify external opportunities (services, collaborations, in‑licensing, acquisitions) to strengthen the organization’s position and accelerate delivery of ambitions.

The Head of Vaccines Research will manage and develop a multidisciplinary team, ensuring alignment with project and pipeline priorities:

• Define clear objectives and assess team performance on deliverables, behaviors and leadership traits.
• Drive talent density by hiring exceptional new talent and positioning individuals appropriately.
• Increase engagement scores within the direct reports and the broader organization.
• Build robust interfaces with stakeholders, escalating challenges as needed.
• Create a healthy environment that encourages risk‑taking in a transparent manner with a sense of urgency and confidence.

In close collaboration with the Head of Vaccines Research portfolio strategy, the Head will:

• Design an ambitious vision for vaccine research and a clear strategy to deliver on it.
• Promote a project‑centric and value‑creating environment to maximize scientific impact.
• Deliver excellence in antigen design and immunology, pioneering new technologies and applying state‑of‑the‑art science.
• Deliver scientific evidence to answer key questions, discharging risks and advancing vaccine and technology programs.
• Allocate resources according to established priorities and raise potential trade‑offs to VRDLT/governance.
• Promote innovation in vaccine platforms, including but not limited to mRNA and adjuvants.
• Support Pharma R&D and external collaborators on mRNA and adjuvant platforms.
• Ensure that quality, manufacturability and analytical considerations are embedded into design and selection.
• Build the data continuum across R&D, promoting digital, automation, AI and ML integration.
• Represent Sanofi scientific leadership and innovation internally and externally.

Core Scientific & Technical Requirements

• Infectious disease science and platform mastery across mRNA, viral vectors, protein subunits, conjugates, and live‑attenuated approaches.
• Strategic vision for emerging technologies and next‑generation vaccine approaches.
• Comprehensive understanding of innate and adaptive immune responses, correlates of protection, immunological memory, and vaccine‑induced immunity.
• Pathogen biology expertise, including mechanisms, evolution, and epidemiology.

Regulatory Science Leadership

• Mastery of global regulatory pathways (FDA, EMA, WHO prequalification).
• Knowledge of quality‑by‑design principles and CMC development strategies.

Data Science & Digital Innovation

• Proficiency in AI/ML, bioinformatics, computational biology, and multi‑omics data integration.

Portfolio Management Excellence

• Research prioritization, resource allocation, risk assessment, and competitive positioning.

External Collaboration Leadership

• Track record in academic…