Senior Translational Immunologist, Translational Science Hub

About the job
Location: Woolloongabba, Australia
Job type: Permanent, Full time
We are seeking an exceptional Senior Scientist, External Innovation to serve as a critical bridge between Sanofi's TSH and the vibrant academic and research ecosystem across Queensland and Australia. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of translational science by identifying, evaluating, and fostering strategic collaborations that bring cutting-edge academic expertise and capabilities into Sanofi's innovation pipeline. 
As a key member of the TSH team, you will be an opportunity seeker and scientific scout—proactively engaging with academic institutions, research centers, and scientific experts to identify breakthrough technologies, methodologies, and research programs that align with Sanofi's strategic priorities in immunology, infectious diseases, vaccines, and beyond. 
Our Team
Sanofi's Translational Science Hub (TSH) connects the external academic and research ecosystem with Sanofi's vaccines R&D innovation pipeline. We act as the bridge between breakthrough science happening in universities and research institutes, and the strategic priorities of our global vaccines business — turning promising discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases and related fields into real partnerships that advance human health.
What You'll Do 
Strategic External Engagement & Opportunity Identification 
Build and maintain relationships with leading academics, research institutions, and scientific experts across Queensland, Australia, and APAC 
Serve as Sanofi's "eyes and ears" in the external scientific community, identifying emerging capabilities, technologies, and research programs with potential value for Sanofi vaccines R&D 
Assess scientific quality, strategic fit, and commercial potential of external opportunities, working closely with the Global Scientific and Strategic Partnership team 
Represent Sanofi at scientific conferences, symposia, and academic forums 
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement 
Work transversally across departments of vaccines R&D to align external innovation with internal priorities and capability gaps 
Translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences, from bench scientists to senior leadership 
Champion and facilitate external collaborations, including research proposals, agreements, joint publications, and knowledge exchange 
Monitor ongoing collaborations to ensure delivery of value and scientific excellence 
Scientific Leadership 
Stay at the forefront of advances in immunology, infectious diseases, vaccines, chemistry, bioinformatics, and physiology 
Contribute insights on emerging trends and technologies to shape Sanofi's scientific strategy 
Mentor junior scientists and foster a culture of external innovation within the TSH 
About You 
Essential Qualifications & Experience 
PhD in immunology, infectious diseases, vaccinology, or related life sciences discipline (or equivalent research experience) 
Minimum 10+ years of experience in academic research (or industry?), with a strong publication record and demonstrated scientific excellence 
Deep scientific expertise in immunology, infectious diseases, and/or vaccines, with proven ability to work effectively across diverse scientific disciplines  
Demonstrated track record of building and maintaining productive collaborations with academic institutions, research organizations, or industry partners 
Strong understanding of the academic research landscape in Australia and internationally, with established networks in relevant scientific communities 
Key Competencies & Attributes 
Independent yet collaborative: Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision while thriving in team environments and fostering a highly collaborative mindset 
Transversal influencer: Proven ability to work across organizational boundaries, influence without authority, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders 
Opportunity seeker: Entrepreneurial mindset with a keen eye for identifying high-value scientific opportunities and translating them into actionable partnerships 
Proactive networker: Natural relationship builder who actively seeks out and engages with academic leaders, researchers, and scientific experts 
Strategic thinker: Ability to connect scientific opportunities to business value and articulate the strategic rationale for external collaborations 
Scientific versatility: Intellectual curiosity and ability to quickly grasp complex scientific concepts outside your core expertise 
Excellent communicator: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present complex scientific information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences 
Cultural agility: Experience working in multicultural, global organizations and ability to navigate different organizational cultures (academic vs. industry) 
Highly Desirable 
Experience in industry, translational research or bridging basic science to clinical applications 
Familiarity with mRNA technology platforms or vaccine development 
Prior experience in industry-academic partnerships or technology transfer 
Understanding of intellectual property, research agreements, and collaboration frameworks 
Experience with grant writing and research funding mechanisms 
Knowledge of Australian research funding landscape (NHMRC, ARC, MRFF, etc.) 
Established network within Queensland's biomedical research ecosystem

Pursue progress, discover extraordinary
Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability or gender identity.

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!