Externally Sponsored Research Specialist

HYDERABAD (IN)ONSITEPOSTED: 9/25/2026
PHARMAFull time
HIRING ORGANIZATIONSANOFIPharmaceuticals / Biotechnology
Sanofi

ROLE OVERVIEW

Sanofi Business Operations (SBO) in Hyderabad seeks an Externally Sponsored Research Specialist to manage investigator-initiated and externally sponsored studies across Specialty Care, Vaccines, and General Medicines. This role is pivotal in ensuring that external research proposals align with Sanofi’s strategic priorities, comply with internal policies, and undergo rigorous scientific and financial review. By coordinating Scientific Review Committees, Fair Market Value assessments, and Clinical Trial Agreements, the specialist directly supports Sanofi’s pipeline and post-marketing commitments. This is an excellent career opportunity for clinical operations professionals to gain global exposure, work with cross-functional teams, and contribute to Sanofi’s mission of transforming patient outcomes. The position offers deep insight into medical affairs, regulatory compliance, and research governance within a top-tier pharmaceutical company.

ROLE DEFINITION & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • •Manage incoming Externally Sponsored Research (ESR) requests and liaise with global/local medical teams to ensure alignment with internal procedures.
  • •Conduct sponsor/investigator assessments at study outline review and perform quality checks on external study proposals.
  • •Identify whether ESRs are Medical or R&D studies, determine franchise alignment, and coordinate with appropriate review panels.
  • •Lead governance and stakeholder alignment for Scientific Review Committee (SRC) meetings covering CSS, ESC, ISS, and Global Health Studies.
  • •Perform Fair Market Value (FMV) review and approval to ensure benchmarked compensation for services in ISS/ESC studies.
  • •Provide project management support for Clinical Trial Agreement (CDA) creation and management, including budget review against industry benchmarks.
  • •Support protocol quality control (QC) activities and conduct ESR QC, maintaining accurate data in iEnvision.
  • •Ensure ESR records/document filing for audits and internal controls, and act as primary point of contact for FMV and CDA processes.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Degree in a scientific discipline such as B.Pharm, M.Pharm, PharmD, MBBS, MD, MSc, BSc Nursing, or equivalent life sciences qualification.
  • Minimum 3+ years of experience in medical or clinical operations within a pharmaceutical, CRO, or healthcare organization.
  • At least 2+ years of professional project management experience in an international, cross-cultural environment.
  • Proven ability to manage cross-functional stakeholders and lead peer-to-peer discussions with diplomacy and intercultural sensitivity.
  • Excellent spoken and written English communication skills for effective global collaboration and documentation.
  • High proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and relevant project management tools.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of clinical research regulations and compliance requirements (e.g., ICH-GCP, local laws, and internal SOPs).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • •Experience with Sanofi systems and processes
  • •Knowledge of global regulatory submissions (FDA, EMA)
  • •Budget benchmarking and financial analysis
  • •Vendor and CRO management
  • •Prior experience in Vaccines, Specialty Care, or General Medicines therapeutic areas

REQUIRED VERIFIED SKILLS

Externally Sponsored Research (ESR) Management
Investigator-Sponsored Studies (ISS) Coordination
Fair Market Value (FMV) Assessment
Clinical Trial Agreements (CDA)
Scientific Review Committee (SRC) Governance
Protocol Quality Control (QC)
iEnvision / CTMS Proficiency
ICH-GCP Guidelines
Clinical Operations & Project Management
Stakeholder Management & Intercultural Communication

COMPENSATION & REWARDS

Salary: Competitive / Disclosed upon candidate shortlisting

ORGANIZATION CONTEXT & CULTURE

Sanofi is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to human health. It researches, develops, manufactures, and markets innovative therapeutic solutions with a focus on specialty care, vaccines, general medicines, and consumer healthcare products. The company aims to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases worldwide.

TEAM SIZE: Approximately 90,000 employees
INDUSTRY: Pharmaceuticals / Biotechnology

EXPECTED CAREER ROADMAP

Starting as an Externally Sponsored Research Specialist at Sanofi Business Operations, you can progress to Senior ESR Specialist or Project Lead – ESR & Grants within 2–3 years. Further advancement includes Clinical Operations Manager, Medical Affairs Manager, or Governance Lead roles. The role builds deep expertise in clinical research operations, medical governance, and contract management. Exit options in India include leading ESR/ISS functions at other pharma majors (e.g., Novartis, Pfizer, AstraZeneca), CROs (IQVIA, Parexel), or clinical trial management organizations. You may also pivot to regulatory affairs, medical affairs, or clinical program management, leveraging Sanofi’s global network and brand.

APPLICATION ADVISORY

Tailor your resume to highlight ESR/ISS management, FMV assessments, CDA negotiations, and SRC coordination. Quantify examples of managing external study proposals, budget reviews, and compliance audits. Prepare for behavioral questions on cross-cultural stakeholder management and diplomatic conflict resolution. Brush up on ICH-GCP, clinical trial agreements, and Sanofi’s therapeutic areas (Specialty Care, Vaccines, GenMed). Demonstrate project management skills and proficiency in iEnvision or similar CTMS. Emphasize your ability to handle multiple ESR requests with accuracy and urgency.
RECOMMENDED TRAINING
1/5

READY TO SUBMIT?

Verify your capability profile and matching credentials before submitting direct applications.