COMPLETE Distinguished Scientist - Head of Antibody Discovery - Cambridge

Description Job description:

The Biologics Research US organization is seeking a Head of Antibody Discovery to lead a large research group (>20 scientists) focused on two key activities:

(1) the generation of novel antibody drugs using in vitro and in vivo antibody generation platforms delivering into and enriching a competitive pipeline in Oncology, Immunology & Inflammation, and Rare

Neuroscience; and

(2) developing new and cutting-edge technologies to advance the discovery and lead optimization of antibodies contributing to our First-in-Class, Best-in-Class portfolio.

The successful candidate will be seen as a highly experienced scientific leader with deep expertise in the antibody field, pushing the boundaries of science of antibody biology and biologics drug discovery. This includes active and strategic identification of opportunities for smart antibody and biologics therapeutics for complex disease biology, and on the technology front, establishing next-generation methods involving microfluidics, NGS, machine learning and AI.  The candidate will lead his/her research teams and collaborate across all therapeutic areas at Sanofi, as well as all Research Platforms (e.g. Nanobody Research Platforms, DMPK, Translational Sciences, etc.).

• Develop strategic vision, provide scientific leadership and technical guidance to build a robust biotherapeutics portfolio; including guidance on discovery campaign screening strategies, triaging across discovery platforms, setting criteria for molecule progression, and management of external/internal partners and workflows.

• Continually look at opportunities to improve the efficiency and success of discovery workflows; develop new technologies and platforms to stay at the cutting edge, incorporate new technologies and support integration of new technical innovations across the global teams.

• Manage the operations of the group to ensure quality, prioritization, resources and timelines across programs.

• Oversee continuous modernization of lab infrastructure, including establishment of streamlined lab and data workflows, and supporting data management objectives.

• Support the further development of computational expertise within the team and workflows.

• Lead and mentor a team of highly motivated and gifted scientists.

• Offer scientific leadership and guidance cross-functionally, especially with the Therapeutic Areas, the interplay between understanding the biology of the disease and the molecule platforms.

• Assist business development in assessing in and out-licensing opportunities.

• Contribute to patent filings and publications and present research finding to various audiences;

• Identify opportunities for growth of the group and department into new areas to foster efficiency.

• Present findings in different forums with clarity and line of sight.

Basic qualifications:

• Ph.D. and postdoctoral work in Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular & Cell Biology or similar field with 10+ years experience leading high performing multidisciplinary biologics drug discovery teams

• Extensive experience working with all major antibody in vitro and in vivo discovery and optimization platforms

• Significant experience in bispecific and multi-specific antibody programs

• Recognized scientific leader in the field with consistent publications in top-tier journals, presentations at key scientific conferences

• A strong people leader with a track record of developing talent

• Exceptional communication skills for navigating and seeking opportunities within our internal and external network

• Should have an innovative mindset and ready to step out of the box for creating and exploring new ideas. Risk taker.

• Engaged and passionate about work with a zeal to take ownership and accountability

Preferred qualifications:

• Background in Immunology, Oncology/Immuno-oncology

• Experience with SBC sorting and 10x Genomics discovery workflows

• Early or advanced work in computational discovery utilizing NGS and machine learning, computational library design, and/or use of in silico prediction methods

• Sound understanding of data-mining, machine learning and AI

• Experience in alternative scaffolds

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

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