Global Project Head - Vaccines R&D

Company: Sanofi
Location: Washington
Posted on: March 13, 2026

Job Description:

Job Title: Global Project Head - Vaccines R&D Location: Washington, DC About the Job Join the team protecting half a billion lives every year with next-gen science, mRNA innovation, and AI-driven breakthroughs. In Vaccines, youll help advance prevention on a global scale - and shape the future of immunization. About Sanofi: Were an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving peoples lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system and innovative pipeline enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve peoples lives. Major Responsibilities: To support sustainable growth, Sanofi Vaccines ambition is to build an innovative and well-balanced Vaccine Research and Development/LCM portfolio. Within the research phase this implies both continuous assessment of potential targets from the universe of Infectious Disease to enrich the portfolio and the efficient execution of approved projects. The Global Project Head (GPH) is a leadership position with strong ties with the entire organization, and beyond. In this role you will have two main missions: to lead cross-functional teams to identify new target opportunities, deliver initial Target Product Profile/Target Value Proposition and lay out credible research and development plans to support timely decisions on portfolio entry. to lead the cross-functional team (rGPT) in charge of delivering one or more endorsed research project. The GPH will lead the research project team and design the project strategy together with all the functions sitting at the Project Team. The GPH will pursue the aspiration of delivering as efficiently as possible the end goal, being a registered differentiated vaccine that addresses medical need for patients and offers financial return for the company. The role is accountable for overall project strategy and execution in the research phase to include the following : Leads a global and transversal team of Subject Matter Experts to deliver high value creating projects Defends the project strategy at governance boards, including scientific review as well as investment decisions Manages multiple internal and external stakeholders, including at executive levels Provides input into team member performance reviews Fosters and implements internal or external innovation solutions for the development of First in Class/Best in Class Vaccines for infectious disease targets by creating an efficient close collaboration across Sanofi to identify novel technologies and approaches Close collaboration with Innovation and Ext R&D, Antigen Design, Global Immunology Functions and the mRNA Center of Excellence Stays informed on the state-of-the-art approaches for vaccine development, characterization and immunological assessment, through efficient internal connections, and Competitive pipeline assessments Secures IP strategy and integrated scientific communication Accountable for developing both integrated strategy & development plan and its effective execution through the project team, in compliance with approved timelines & budget Accountable for building and maintaining aligned strategy with external partners Ensures that the right interactions with regulatory authorities are in place Ensures that risk-mitigation plan is articulated, escalated,validated by relevant internal governance bodies and monitored Resolve resource & budget issues with functions or decision bodies in order to meet project objectives About You Required Qualifications: Ph.D. (in scientific related field), MD, or Pharm D., with at least 5 years of experience in vaccine R&D or equivalent experience in other discipline within the Vaccine Value Chain Skills & Competencies: Strong scientific background with excellent understanding of global vaccine development activities along the entire Value Chain from research up to market access Strategic thinking and leadership abilities in combination with understanding science, technologies and business of biopharmaceutical product development Performance oriented with ability to work along agreed timeline and budget, and a focus on strategy and execution. Ability to evaluate new internal & external opportunities (technology, new vaccine targets, mAbs, enabling sciences, etc.) Good networking ability in cross-cultural environment Ability to connect dots between functions within the organization and data/ideas from internal/external experts to build a coherent strategy Experience in or demonstrated evidence for the capacity to lead cross-functional group of professionals Excellent communication skill to ensure a good understanding of opportunities & challenges by senior stakeholders Ability to foster collaborative practices between functions and to energize and inspire people Fluent English communication skills, verbal and written Why Choose Us? Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team. Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether its through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally. Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact. Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks gender-neutral parental leave. 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. GD-SP LI-SP LI-Onsite mRNA vhd All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.

Keywords: Sanofi, Franconia , Global Project Head - Vaccines R&D, Engineering , Washington, Virginia