Head of Global Strategic and Scientific Partnerships – Vaccines Research and Development

Sanofi

Leading external innovation strategy for Sanofi's vaccine pipeline. Building strategic partnerships and scientific evaluation of opportunities in global health.

Posted 6/10/2026full-timeSwiftwater • Massachusetts, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $266,250 - $384,583 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and implement a comprehensive external innovation and partnership strategy aligned with Vaccines R&D portfolio priorities
Drive measurable pipeline value through strategic licensing, co-development agreements, and technology acquisitions that strengthen competitive positioning
Lead scientific and strategic evaluation of external opportunities, coordinating cross-functional due diligence and providing clear go/no-go recommendations
Build and maintain strategic relationships with academic institutions, biotech companies, government agencies, and global health organizations across Europe and globally
Identify and secure external funding opportunities including BARDA, CEPI, NIH, Horizon Europe, and other public-private partnerships
Represent Sanofi in pandemic preparedness programs, policy discussions, and industry consortia at the highest levels
Ensure seamless integration of external partnerships into R&D processes in close collaboration with Business Development and cross-functional teams
Lead and develop the Scientific & Strategic Partnerships team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD, MD/PhD, or MD in Immunology, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Vaccinology, or related field; MBA or executive business education strongly preferred
Extensive experience in vaccine research, immunology, or infectious diseases with proven ability to evaluate scientific merit and translational potential
Strong track record in partnerships, business development, licensing, or external innovation within the biopharmaceutical industry
Demonstrated success in negotiating and executing strategic partnerships, in-licensing agreements, or technology acquisitions that created measurable pipeline value
Senior leadership experience managing cross-functional teams in matrixed global organizations
Proven expertise in securing external funding from government agencies, foundations, or international organizations
Strategic and entrepreneurial leader with deep scientific curiosity, exceptional negotiation skills, and executive presence
Experience engaging with European and global health organizations (WHO, GAVI, CEPI, BMGF) is highly valued.

Benefits

Comp & perks

high-quality healthcare
prevention and wellness programs
at least 14 weeks' gender-neutral parental leave
flexible hybrid work arrangements
executive development programs
international mobility opportunities

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

vaccine researchimmunologyinfectious diseasestranslational potential evaluationbusiness developmentlicensingexternal innovationstrategic partnershipsnegotiationfunding acquisition

Soft Skills

leadershipcollaborationaccountabilitycontinuous improvementstrategic thinkingentrepreneurial mindsetscientific curiositynegotiation skillsexecutive presencecross-functional team management

Certifications

PhDMD/PhDMDMBAexecutive business education