Project Leader Neuro-Immunology

Project Leader Neuro-Immunology

Servier

Gif-sur-Yvette, France

About the role:

As the Project Leader in Neuro-Immunology, you will be the strategic and scientific engine driving research programs from concept to Preclinical Candidate (PCC). Reporting to the Head of Neuro-Immunology Research, you will define the clinical hypothesis and project strategy, ensuring seamless alignment with our Neurology therapeutic goals and a smooth handoff to the Asset Leader.

You will lead a cross-functional Core Team of R&D experts, fostering high-impact collaboration and external partnerships. In this role, you will integrate deep drug discovery expertise with a sense of urgency and scientific excellence to ensure every decision is guided by patient relevance and innovation.

Your main responsibilities:

• Project & Team Leadership: Lead the Core Team to deliver project objectives, orchestrating scientific ambition and operational execution. Promote collaboration and teamwork, clear and transparent communication, speed of execution, innovation, and accountability;
• Scientific Strategy: Anticipate and manage risks of alternative scenarios, challenge assumptions, and integrate emerging science or technologies to strengthen the project;
• Decision Making & Governance: Drive objective, data-driven, and collective decision-making processes; prepare and present key project updates and milestones and assume accountability for Go/No-Go recommendations and final decisions within the governance framework;
• Risk & Issue Management: Identify critical risks early, propose mitigation strategies, and escalate appropriately;
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage and align key internal stakeholders (including Therapeutic Area Heads, Heads of Poles of Activity, and relevant functional leaders) to ensure strategic coherence and efficient decision-making. Represent Servier in relevant scientific or strategic collaborations and ensure appropriate engagement with external partners (academic, industrial, regulatory, or patient-related);
• Reporting: Ensure timely and proactive updates to the line manager and governance bodies, maintaining scientific and operational traceability.

What we’re looking for:

Background: Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, or MD). Deep knowledge and professional experience in neuro-immunology, preferably for rare diseases & proven track record in drug discovery processes.

Hard Skills:

• Scientific, Innovation & Business Leadership:
  • Ability to combine deep drug discovery leadership with business acumen to drive differentiated asset strategies and long-term value creation;
  • Expertise in leveraging curiosity, critical thinking, and emerging technologies/AI to accelerate high-quality project outcomes while keeping the patient at the center of decision-making.
• Strategic & Operational Excellence:
  • Proficiency in setting clear priorities and expectations for the core team aligning project objectives with TA and R&D strategy;
  • Skills in defining evidence-based decisions, defines success criteria and KPIs, tracks performance, and promotes continuous improvement.
• Competitive Landscape & Intellectual Property Awareness:
  • Advanced ability to maintain a sharp understanding of the competitive environment, integrating market intelligence and scientific trends which pose threats and opportunities for the project;
  • Expertise in anticipating IP opportunities and risks, ensuring project strategies are differentiated, protected, and aligned with long-term value creation.
• Language skills: Fluent in English, French is a plus.

Soft skills:

• Inclusive & Accountable Leadership: Proven ability to mobilize diverse cross-functional teams and foster trust through transparent leadership, active listening, and constructive challenge;
• Strategic Stakeholder Alignment: Skilled in synthesizing expert input into clear project plans and communicating with impact to drive alignment across organizational and cultural boundaries;
• External & Partner Engagement: Expert at building productive academic or industrial partnerships and conducting due diligence to maximize project value;
• Agility & Critical Thinking: Combines adaptability and curiosity with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate complex environments;
• Integrity & Accountability: A highly accountable professional with humility and courage to ensure informed, ethical decision-making.