Joe-Raphaël Sarkis

About Joe-Raphaël Sarkis

Scientific and drug discovery leader with extensive experience in drug discovery, preclinical development, and global program leadership. Expertise spans metabolic diseases, rare disorders, and immune/autoimmune therapies across various modalities, including biologics, small molecules, mRNA, gene editing, and novel delivery systems like lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Led strategic initiatives and advanced programs from target discovery through IND/CTA filing and into clinical trials, progressing therapeutics into Phase 1/2 studies. Expertise spans strategic program leadership, biomarker-driven clinical strategies, and global regulatory submissions (FDA, EMA, MHRA).Spearheaded academic and biotech partnerships to generate portfolio impact. Passionate about translational medicine and thrive in leading diverse teams to tackle complex scientific challenges while fostering talent development and strong matrix interactions.I am always eager to connect with like-minded professionals, explore new opportunities, and contribute to the next wave of transformative therapies.

Experience

1. Global Program Team Leader

   Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

   Jun 2025 — Present · Boston, MA, US

   Program Leader | Strategic Project Execution & Cross-Functional LeadershipAccountable for end-to-end program strategy and execution across diverse therapeutic modalities—small molecules, biologics, and gene therapy. Spearhead the development of integrated project plans, ensuring milestone delivery and timely execution. Lead high-performing cross-functional teams by fostering alignment, driving effective issue resolution, and proactively identifying and mitigating risks to ensure program success.

Education

• Université de Rennes I

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology

  2008 — 2011

• Aix-Marseille University

  Master of Science (MSc), Bioinformatics, Structural Biochemistry and Genomics

  2007 — 2008

• Harvard Medical School

  Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology

• Harvard Business School

  Mini-MBA, International Business

  2016 — 2016

Skills

• Ellipsometry
• Single Molecule Tracking
• Cell Culture
• Cell Biology
• Monolayers
• Bam
• Tirf
• Afm
• Lipid-Protein Interaction
• Protein-Protein Interactions
• Biophysics
• Biochemistry
• Membrane
• Fluorescence Microscopy
• In Vitro
• Supported Lipid Bilayer
• Self-Assembled Monolayers
• Science
• Membrane Biophysics
• Liposomes
• Langmuir
• Lipidology