R&D Project Leader - Cancer Cell Vulnerabilities

Servier Group; Saclay; Sur place; EUR 80 000 - 120 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The Servier Group, based in Saclay, France, is seeking a Project Leader for Cancer Cell Vulnerabilities within its Oncology team. This role involves leading drug discovery programs and integrating innovative technologies to enhance small molecule therapeutic development.

With a Ph.D. and extensive experience in oncology drug discovery, you will oversee projects from concept to Preclinical Candidate nomination, ensuring scientific excellence and strategic direction.

If you have a passion for driving impactful research, join us in our mission to advance therapeutic progress for patients.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of experience in oncology small molecule drug discovery.
• Proven track record in leading discovery programs.
• Strong understanding of tumor biology and translational research.

Responsabilités

• Lead oncology discovery programs from target identification to PCC nomination.
• Define and drive scientific and translational strategy.
• Chair and lead cross-functional Core Team.

Connaissances

Project management

Oncology small molecule drug discovery

Cross-functional leadership

Scientific strategy development

Risk-based decision-making

Cancer biology

Formation

Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Cell or Molecular Biology, Pharmacology

Outils

AI-enabled approaches

Description du poste

We are a human‑scale, international, and independent pharmaceutical group governed by a Foundation. Our unique model makes us proud and, more importantly, enables us to fully serve our mission: "Committed to therapeutic progress for the benefit of patients.".

As a global leader in cardiology, we aim to become a focused and innovative player in oncology by 2030, targeting hard‑to‑treat cancers and dedicating more than 70% of our R&D budget to this goal.

Who are we? 22,000 passionate individuals from over 50 nationalities, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit. Every day, we move forward with and for patients, with and for our teams, motivated by the desire to care, to dare, to grow, and to commit to being useful to those in need.

Come experience and contribute to our commitment #MovedByYou.

Are you a strategic and visionary scientific leader passionate about transforming oncology drug discovery and identifying the next generation of cancer cell vulnerability treatments?

Project Leader – Cancer Cell Vulnerabilities to join our Oncology team at the Paris‑Saclay site. This is a unique opportunity to act as the scientific and strategic architect of oncology drug discovery programs, driving projects from early concept to Preclinical Candidate (PCC) nomination. Your work will be pivotal and will directly impact the value created for patients within our therapeutic pipeline.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Research: As a Project Leader, you are accountable for driving projects and providing the leadership required to turn scientific concepts into life‑changing medicinal compounds.
• Innovative Environment: Work at the forefront of oncology innovation in Saclay. You will lead cross‑functional teams using data‑driven decision‑making and have the opportunity to integrate emerging technologies, including AI‑enabled approaches, to accelerate the discovery of small molecule therapeutics.
• Collaborative Team: Join a multidisciplinary and international matrix environment. You will chair the Core Team and act as the primary integrator across biology, medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and translational sciences ensuring a seamless transition from discovery to clinical development.

Responsibilities:

• Lead oncology discovery programs from target identification and validation through to PCC nomination with accountability for project strategy, scientific excellence, timelines, and quality of execution.
• Define and drive the scientific and translational strategy, including mechanism of action, clinical hypotheses, and patient stratification.
• Chair and lead the cross‑functional Core Team, orchestrating scientific ambition with operational execution in partnership with Project Management.
• Drive scientific recommendations, Go/No-Go proposals, and risk‑based decision‑making within the governance framework
• Integrate diverse expertise across biology, pharmacology, chemistry, DMPK, biomarkers, and IP to ensure project coherence.
• Lead the design of mechanistic and pharmacology studies supporting clinical relevance.
• Engage and align internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to external opportunity assessment and represent the company in external scientific interactions.
• Mentor junior scientists and promote a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and urgency.

Profile:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Cancer Biology, Cell or Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• 7–10+ years of experience in oncology small molecule drug discovery within a pharma or biotech environment.
• Proven track record of successfully leading cross‑functional discovery programs from target validation to PCC nomination.
• Strong understanding of tumor biology, cancer vulnerabilities, translational research, and preclinical development.
• Demonstrated leadership in matrix organizations with excellent communication, influence, and collaboration skills.
• Highly organized approach with the ability to manage complex scientific risks and alternative scenarios.
• A proactive mindset with an interest in AI and digital tools as enablers of R&D acceleration.
• Fluency in English (oral and written) is mandatory for this international environment.

We are committed to equal opportunities and developing talents in all their diversity. We value both experience and the desire to engage daily in contributing to therapeutic progress for the benefit of patients. If this offer resonates with you, seize this opportunity to meet us!