Project Leader Neuro-Immunology H/F Servier

www.servier.com

About our R&D Institute in Paris Saclay:

At the heart of one of the world's top eight innovation clusters, the Servier R&D Institute at Paris-Saclay is where visionary science meets a powerful global ecosystem. By uniting our Group's innovation potential with this prestigious center of excellence, we are not only accelerating the future of therapeutic discovery but also championing the global influence of French research.

About the role:

As the Project Leader in Neuro-Immunology, you will be the strategic and scientific engine driving research programs from concept to Preclinical Candidate (PCC). Reporting to the Head of Neuro-Immunology Research, you will define the clinical hypothesis and project strategy, ensuring seamless alignment with our Neurology therapeutic goals and a smooth handoff to the Asset Leader.

You will lead a cross-functional Core Team of R&D experts, fostering high-impact collaboration and external partnerships. In this role, you will integrate deep drug discovery expertise with a sense of urgency and scientific excellence to ensure every decision is guided by patient relevance and innovation

Your main responsibilities:

• Project & Team Leadership: Lead the Core Team to deliver project objectives, orchestrating scientific ambition and operational execution. Promote collaboration and teamwork, clear and transparent communication, speed of execution, innovation, and accountability.
• Scientific Strategy: Anticipate and manage risks of alternative scenarios, challenge assumptions, and integrate emerging science or technologies to strengthen the project.
• Decision Making & Governance: Drive objective, data-driven, and collective decision-making processes; prepare and present key project updates and milestones and assume accountability for Go/No-Go recommendations and final decisions within the governance framework.
• Risk & Issue Management: Identify critical risks early, propose mitigation strategies, and escalate appropriately.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage and align key internal stakeholders (including Therapeutic Area Heads, Heads of Poles of Activity, and relevant functional leaders) to ensure strategic coherence and efficient decision-making. Represent Servier in relevant scientific or strategic collaborations and ensure appropriate engagement with external partners (academic, industrial, regulatory, or patient-related).
• Reporting: Ensure timely and proactive updates to the line manager and governance bodies, maintaining scientific and operational traceability.

What we're looking for :

Background: Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, or MD). Deep knowledge and professional experience in neuro-immunology, preferably for rare diseases & proven track record in drug discovery processes.

Hard Skills :

Scientific, Innovation & Business Leadership

• Ability to combine deep drug discovery leadership with business acumen to drive differentiated asset strategies and long-term value creation.
• Expertise in leveraging curiosity, critical thinking, and emerging technologies/AI to accelerate high-quality project outcomes while keeping the patient at the center of decision-making.

Strategic & Operational Excellence

• Proficiency in setting clear priorities and expectations for the core team aligning project objectives with TA and R&D strategy.
• Skills in defining evidence-based decisions, defines success criteria and KPIs, tracks performance, and promotes continuous improvement.

Competitive Landscape & Intellectual Property Awareness

• Advanced ability to maintain a sharp understanding of the competitive environment, integrating market intelligence and scientific trends which pose threats and opportunities for the project.
• Expertise in anticipating IP opportunities and risks, ensuring project strategies are differentiated, protected, and aligned with long-term value creation.

Language skills: Fluent in English, French is a plus.

Soft skills:

• Inclusive & Accountable Leadership: Proven ability to mobilize diverse cross-functional teams and foster trust through transparent leadership, active listening, and constructive challenge.
• Strategic Stakeholder Alignment: Skilled in synthesizing expert input into clear project plans and communicating with impact to drive alignment across organizational and cultural boundaries.
• External & Partner Engagement: Expert at building productive academic or industrial partnerships and conducting due diligence to maximize project value.
• Agility & Critical Thinking: Combines adaptability and curiosity with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate complex environments.
• Integrity & Accountability: A highly accountable professional with humility and courage to ensure informed, ethical decision-making.

What We Offer:

A dynamic and supportive environment with:

• 23 RTT days + 27 vacation days per year
• Teleworking possibility based on the position
• Performance-related and profit-sharing bonuses
• Premium health insurance and welfare coverage
• Numerous employee benefits (vouchers, bonuses, cultural and sports discounts)
• Modern facilities, subsidized restaurant, and gym access at some sites
• Certified Top Employer (France & Europe) for 3 years running

We are committed to equal opportunities and the development of talent in all its diversity. We value both experience and the willingness to engage daily to contribute to therapeutic progress for the benefit of patients. If you see yourself reflected in this offer and these few lines, seize the opportunity to meet us.