VP, Head of Research US Oncology

About Servier

Servier in the U.S. is a Boston-based, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company launched by Servier Group in 2018. As a privately held organization and governed by a foundation, Servier is uniquely positioned to advance cutting-edge science, tackle underserved therapeutic areas and make patients the focus of every strategic decision. 

Role Summary

The Head of US Research – Oncology - is a senior scientific leader and full member of the Global Research Leadership Team, relevant governance committees, and the local US Research & Development Leadership Team (RDLT), responsible for defining and executing Servier’s oncology research strategy from target identification and validation through translational research and into early clinical development. This role leads and develops a high-performing organization of scientists, ensuring scientific excellence, innovation, and seamless integration across Target Identification and Validation, Drug Discovery, Translational Medicine, and Clinical Development, while serving as a key interface with external partners and collaborators.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Management Scope

• Full member of the global Research leadership team and relevant governance committee. Will also be a member of the local US RDLT.
• Lead a group of ~30 talented scientists in Boston responsible for target identification and validation, who will contribute to drug discovery.
• Ensure early research programs are integrated and advanced appropriately into translational research, development, and early clinical development.
• Recruit, motivate, and develop a world-class, highly innovative Research organization. Maintain and support a culture that promotes innovation, open communication, and collegiality.
• Lead the Boston research site, overseeing facility management, ensuring the HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment), legal, and financial responsibilities, and leading the execution of the Research strategy.
• Prioritize, arbitrate and reallocate the resources of the unit according to priorities and strategy, to ensure the achievement of R&D objectives
• Ensure compliance with regulations, health and safety rules and quality standards.

2. Scientific Responsibilities

• In the context of global strategy, lead local strategy on target discovery and external collaborations.
• Provide an important interface between Target Validation, Drug Discovery, Translational Medicine, Research and Clinical Development teams both internally and with external partners.
• Collaborate closely with the global R&D teams to move drug candidates forward into early development.
• Deliver new project proposals with strong therapeutic potential. Identify new therapeutic targets, develop networks and partnerships, and evaluate license applications to increase innovation and achieve the Servier Group's ambitions.
• Stimulate scientific excellence and new technologies implementation to fuel the oncology discovery pipeline.

3. Contribution to Servier’s Scientific Strategy

• Contribute to the corporate strategic plans (5 and 10 years)
• Anticipate opportunities for technological developments and associated investments to prepare for the future of Research.
• Contribute to the achievement of BD&L objectives and ensure Servier's access to new assets and technologies through external innovation.

4. Year One Critical Success Factors

• Providing outstanding strategic scientific leadership to identify novel therapeutic targets aligned to the corporate Disease area strategy in oncology and neurology
• Accountable to deliver new therapeutic projects together with the research program directors within the therapeutic areas via internal capabilities and external collaborations with academia and Biotech’s.
• Contribute to portfolio progression and delivery of development candidates every year.
• Ensure a constant search for collaboration and efficiency with the Servier research sites at Paris and Copenhagen.
• Assume the responsibilities of Head of US research site in all aspects, people, legal and financial.
• Act as the focal point with academia / biotech in the US and be responsible to increase scientific reputation in oncology research.

Education and Required Skills:

• PhD or equivalent experience required
• At least 15 years of directly related experience in biotech or pharma (experience in both biotech and Pharma preferred)
• Evidence of strong leadership skills, demonstrating a strong collaborative mindset.
• Ability to be creative and to innovate.
• Ability to organise and prioritise.
• Action oriented, someone who can implement plans to agreed deadlines.
• Team player who has strong matrix working capability.
• Ability to manage complex issues and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven track record practicing sound judgment as it relates to risk assessment.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Experience working in global, matrixed organizations preferred
• Strength of character to remain focused and diligent in the face of opposition.
• Core Competencies: Leadership, Portfolio management Strategy, global collaboration.
• Fluent English oral and written required, French desirable.

Travel and Location

• This role is on-site, 5 days a week in our Boston, MA office
• International travel to France HQ 4-6 weeks per year, with additional business trips as needed

Servier’s Commitment

Servier is committed to modeling diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that maintains equitable treatment for all and we welcome applicants who are passionate, committed, and innovative individuals. We encourage candidates to apply to our open roles as we are always willing to consider experiences and skills beyond what is listed in the job description.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Salary Range

The salary range for this role is  $270,000 - $380,000. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. Employees in this position are also eligible for Short-Term and Long-Term incentive programs. Servier also offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes benefits such as medical, dental, vision, flexible time off (Servier provides unlimited sick time and flex time, and does not accrue time off), 401(k), life and disability insurance, recognition programs among other great benefits (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements).  For more information on our benefits, please visit this link.