About the Job

In today's fast-paced innovation landscape, China's biotech ecosystem demands our strategic attention. By establishing real-time monitoring of breakthrough opportunities and maintaining strong scientific leadership presence, we can quickly identify emerging trends and adapt our global R&D strategy accordingly. Our active engagement and senior representation in China's innovation community not only attracts top talent and partnerships but also creates vital connections between local innovators and Sanofi's Global R&D network. This strategic positioning strengthens our research capabilities and establishes Sanofi as a preferred partner in this competitive market, enabling us to effectively capitalize on China's dynamic innovation ecosystem.

The Strategic Advisor to Chief Scientific Officer, China, is a key executive position reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer/Global Head of Research, tasked with elevating Sanofi's R&D presence in China's dynamic innovation landscape. This strategic role drives external engagement with key ecosystem players, cultivates essential government relationships, and ensures seamless integration of Sanofi into China's biotechnology community. The position plays a pivotal role in shaping China R&D strategy while serving as a crucial bridge between local operations and global R&D initiatives and key partners across the entire value chain of our drug discovery and development efforts, enabling Sanofi to effectively capture breakthrough opportunities in this rapidly evolving market.

Main Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

o   Provide expert insights on China's healthcare ecosystem and R&D landscape to inform global R&D leadership strategy and decision making

o   Anticipate necessary strategic shifts to remain competitive in capturing local innovation to enhance global R&D pipeline (expansion and sustainability)

o   Advise Chief Scientific Officer on China R&D strategic developments, opportunities and implementation and execution roadmaps and recommend strategic initiatives to capture local innovation opportunities and strengthen global R&D pipeline

o   Collaborate with China R&D Country Lead and functional heads to create an exciting, industry-leading environment that attracts and retains top talent

o   Advise on alignment between China Global Business Unit and Global R&D organization

External Representation & Advocacy

o   On behalf of Sanofi, advise on science and technology advancement through collaborations with government agencies

o   Represent Sanofi R&D at high-level government interactions and premier industry forums in China

o   Advocate for Sanofi's Global R&D vision to external community and local ecosystem

o   Provide counsel on enhancing Sanofi’s standing in China’s dynamic pharmaceutical landscape

o   Champion Sanofi-organized or industry innovation events to showcase our science, and effective interaction with local ecosystem, positioning Sanofi as an innovation leader and a preferred business partner in the Chinese market

External Ecosystem Engagement

o   Research and identify emerging innovation hubs across major Chinese cities

o   Cultivate strategic relationships with key external stakeholders in China's healthcare ecosystem

o   Drive strategic integration into the Chinese innovation ecosystem through collaborations with R&D Global functions in China

o   Propose strategies for engaging with and participate in regular touchpoints with leading Chinese venture capital firms, top academic institutions, universities and research hospitals, and government agencies

About You

Basic Qualifications:

o   MD, PhD, or equivalent advanced degree in life sciences or related field

o   Minimum 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in biopharma R&D

o   Demonstrated success in leading and delivering value from within complex R&D organizations

o   Experience in the Chinese pharmaceutical/biotech landscape

Preferred Qualifications:

o   Visionary leadership with ability to inspire and align diverse teams

o   Excellent cross-cultural communication and relationship-building skills

o   Demonstrated ability to influence outside of direct reporting lines

o   Strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and corporate social responsibility

o   Deep understanding of the Chinese healthcare system, regulatory environment, and innovation ecosystem

o   Strong track record of building external partnerships and government relations

o   Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen

o   Proven ability to navigate complex global organizations while driving local initiatives

Why Choose Us?

o   Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.

o   Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.

o   Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.

o   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 le