COMPLETE Group Head, Distinguished Scientist, Non-viral Gene Therapy Formulations, Genomic Medicine Unit - Waltham, MA

Group Head, Distinguished Scientist, Non-viral Gene Therapy Formulation, Genomic Medicine Unit 

We are seeking a Group Head, Distinguished Scientist, to join the newly created non-viral gene therapy research group in the Genomic Medicine Unit. The candidate will play a leadership role in executing and maintaining the strategy to develop targeted and non-targeted, non-viral gene therapy treatments for rare and common diseases. 

Specifically, the remit of the candidate will be to: 

• Lead a dynamic, multi-site LNP formulation, chemistry and protein sciences team comprised of Ph.D. and non-Ph.D. scientists that are impactful contributors on project teams at various stages from early research, lead nomination and clinical candidate. 

• Responsible for applying scientific expertise and judgement to initiate, design, direct and execute engineering for the formulation and chemistry of targeted/non-targeted nanoparticles to cell and/or tissues to deliver DNA and mRNA cargo, working cross-functionally with biology project teams.

• Continue to refine and execute chemistry and formulation strategy within the non-viral gene therapy organization that enables Sanofi to remain on the cutting edge of non-viral gene therapy.

• Work closely with biologists to enable design of critical go/no-go experiments to enable progression of drug candidates to the clinic

• Refine, and develop/implement strategy (where needed)  for high throughput screening of targeting conjugates to lipid nanoparticles

• Contribute to lipid design while working cross-functionally with other chemists locally and globally

• Liaise cross-functionally with CMC process development teams to ensure smooth transition of programs from research to development when programs are at the appropriate maturity

• Act as an impactful contributor and leader for transversal and cross-functional initiatives.

• Work across R&D organization to test and advance innovative processes, hypotheses and methodologies; encourages curiosity and challenges the status quo in order to foster innovation.

• Enable productivity, execution with a sense of urgency, teamwork, accountability, scientific rigor and excellence.

• Foster a culture of employee growth and development

Qualifications: 

• Leading-edge knowledge of principles, concepts, and practices in non-viral gene delivery (specifically to LNP chemistry and nucleic acid formulation); experience of translating treatments from early research to the clinic is strongly preferred.

• PhD plus minimum 10 years of relevant (direct LNP formulation and chemistry) research experience in an academic or biopharmaceutical setting demonstrating continuous growth in depth and breadth of knowledge. 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical setting with significant team leadership experience is required.  

• Applies technical, functional and industry knowledge to design and execute projects that shape the strategic direction of the group.

• Hands-on manager and experienced leader that exercises foresight and judgement in planning, organizing and guiding complex projects. Track record of successfully applying high- level scientific judgement in a variety of complex and unprecedented situations. 

• Flexibility to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines and ability to lead others through change in a dynamic, fast paced industry and work environment.

• Recognized as an outstanding scientist and subject matter expert / innovator in the field.  Outstanding track record of scientific publications, presentations, patents, projects as a leading contributor or senior author.  Excellent track record of project impact as a key contributor.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: impactful oral and written communication.

• Experience in preparing high quality documents including technical reports, presentations, SOPs, experimental protocols and regulatory filings.

• Candidates must be authorized to work in the USA.

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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