Research Strategy Lead - Bacterial Science and Antigen Design

Research Strategy Lead - Bacterial Science and Antigen Design

Sanofi

Marcy-l'Etoile, France

About the job

As a Research Strategy Lead, you will oversee and drive antigen design projects in the space of bacterial vaccine research and development, and help shape how we deliver innovative, life-changing treatments to millions.

Main responsibilities

• Lead scientific strategy and innovation in bacterial antigen discovery and design, contributing to GAD’s mission and helping to shape the long-term strategy and scientific roadmap for the function;
• Apply deep knowledge of bacterial pathogenesis, reverse vaccinology, OMICs, host-pathogen interactions, and immune evasion mechanisms to identify and validate novel vaccine targets;
• Integrate modern protein science approaches - including structural biology, protein engineering, and biophysics - to design optimized antigens with enhanced immunogenicity and stability;
• Collaborate closely with internal GAD platforms (virology, computational biology, protein biochemistry and biophysics, monoclonal antibodies, structural biology, and transversal antigen design) to drive integrated research programs;
• Partner with internal global immunology teams to align antigen design with immunological insights and translational goals;
• Engage with the internal development and mRNA organizations to ensure seamless transition of antigens from discovery to preclinical and clinical development;
• Contribute to scientific leadership through mentorship, strategic input, and representation of bacterial science within and beyond GAD;
• Stay abreast of emerging scientific trends and technologies in bacteriology, structural vaccinology, and protein design, and apply them to advance the pipeline;
• Represents Sanofi externally at scientific forums.

About you

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Structural Biology, Protein Biochemistry, or a related field;
• Minimum of 10 years post PhD relevant experience in an academic or biopharmaceutical setting;
• Demonstrated expertise in bacterial pathogenesis and vaccine antigen discovery and design;
• Background in or advanced familiarity with protein science, preferably with focus on structural biology (e.g., X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM) and its application to rational antigen design;
• Proven track record of scientific innovation and leadership in cross-functional research environments;
• Comfortable working in complex, matrixed environments with global counterparts;
• Strong strategic, analytical, and cross-functional collaboration skills;
• Excellent communication, tact, diplomacy, negotiation, collaboration, and strategic thinking skills.