Nanobody® Research Platform - Project Head

The Nanobody Research Platform (NRP), part of Ablynx, a Sanofi company, is engaged in the development of Nanobody compounds, proprietary therapeutic proteins based on single-domain antibody fragments. The NRP advances a portfolio of Nanobody-based therapeutic programs in several major disease areas, including inflammation, immuno-oncology and oncology.

About growing with us

As NRP Project Head you will lead Ablynx’ research activities of a Nanobody drug discovery project and you will guide an interdisciplinary team, sourced from multiple line functions within Ablynx.  The NRP Project Head is a member of the Core team and represents the Large Molecule Research organization in the global research project team. Together with the project lead and other core team members, you will be responsible:

• to define the project strategy in line with company vision

• to propose annual priorities for the project

• to align the organization for the flawless execution of the strategy

Your key responsibilities will be

• Scientific leadership

  • identify key scientific strategies for the discovery of hits and leads in close collaboration with relevant teams in the NRP

  • validate NRP research output before contribution to the project team

  • represent the NRP in all internal and external governance and scientific forums

• Strategic leadership - together with the project lead and other core team members, coordinates the activities of an interdisciplinary team to

  • define the Target Product Profile of the molecule in alignment with the overall project objectives

  • oversee the entire plan towards successful delivery on goals

  • present the defined strategy and plan to, and seek timely endorsement from, the governance bodies by pro-actively managing relevant stakeholders to ensure swift decision-making

  • successfully execute the approved project plan by identifying the project needs, aligning the organization, managing stakeholders, identifying and bringing to resolution issues impacting the strategy and plan, and pro-actively monitoring the project’s critical path

  • assist IP in defining the patent strategy and drafting patent applications

  • prepare a budget and resource forecast

  • track and document project progress

• People management

  • Define project-related goals & objectives to be shared across the team

  • Motivate and support team members to ensure an optimal and smooth functioning of the team

• Mentor and guide team members

• Communication

  • Ensure effective and timely communication and information flows between the project, the different platforms, senior management and, if applicable, external partners

  • Together with the other core team members, lead the preparation and presentation of the project deliverables and progress

  • Present at scientific conferences

About you

Qualifications/Education & work experience

• First degree in a scientific discipline; advanced degree such as PhD, MSc preferred

• 5+ years in the pharmaceutical industry (R&D), Relevant experience in biologics research / biologics discovery

• Strong scientific or technology background, with significant experience in the discovery and/or development of biologics

• industry experience managing or leading R&D projects

• good understanding of the Nanobody platform, the science and technology behind the platform

• solid knowledge of drug discovery and/or drug development and project management

• Fluent in written and spoken English

Competencies

• Strong leadership capabilities in a matrix organization

• Business awareness: appreciates the requirements for successful commercialization

• Strong interpersonal, communication, negotiation and influencing skills

• Helicopter perspective and insight

• Strong organizational skills

• Able to work independently

• Sense of urgency

• Ability to identify key issues, able to solve problems and propose solutions

• Project champion, willing to challenge current status, driver of success

Inspire your Journey.

What Sanofi can offer you

• An international work environment, in which you can develop your talent and realize ideas and innovations within a competent team

• An individual and well-structured introduction and training when you onboard

• You can create your own career path within Sanofi. Your professional and personal development will be supported purposefully

• As a globally successful and constantly growing company, Sanofi provides international career paths as well

This is our Sanofi, Discover yours.

We are proud to have been awarded Global Top Employer 2021.