Principal Research Associate Predevelopment

Job Title: Principal Research Associate Predevelopment

About the Job

Are you ready to shape the future of medicine? The race is on to speed up drug discovery and development to find answers for patients and their families. Your skills could be critical in helping our teams accelerate progress.

The Genomic Medicine Unit (GMU) CMC group at Sanofi is committed to establishing best-in-class platforms that drive the development of life-changing advanced therapies, including recombinant AAV vectors and other gene therapy products. The Predevelopment group is looking for an Associate Director focused on innovative cell engineering and host cell optimization to support the integration of advanced molecular biology techniques within the platform. This role will play a critical part in optimizing production processes, enhancing the scalability of gene therapy production, and supporting the overall pipeline’s success.

The successful applicant will lead a team of scientists focused on the development and integration of innovative cell engineering and host cell optimization, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals. We are seeking a candidate with strong scientific expertise, project management skills, and a track record of successfully implementing cutting-edge technologies in a biopharmaceutical setting.

We are an innovative global healthcare company with one purpose: to chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. We’re also a company where you can flourish and grow your career, with countless opportunities to explore, make connections with people, and stretch the limits of what you thought was possible. Ready to get started?

Main Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing and optimizing transfection protocols to enhance viral vector production efficiency

• Support the establishment of stable producer cell lines through targeted integration techniques

• Execute cell line selection and screening processes to identify high-performing clones

• Perform routine cell culture maintenance, expansion, and cryopreservation of mammalian cell lines

• Conduct molecular characterization of cell lines using PCR, qPCR, and DNA sequencing techniques

• Optimize media formulations and culture conditions to maximize cell growth and vector productivity

• Implement small-scale bioreactor operations to evaluate cell line performance

• Assist in designing and executing experiments to improve vector yield and quality

• Analyze transgene expression levels and stability in producer cell lines

• Document experimental procedures, observations, and results in electronic laboratory notebooks

• Prepare technical reports summarizing experimental findings and optimization outcomes

• Collaborate with team members on troubleshooting cell culture and transfection challenges

• Support the evaluation of new transfection reagents and methods to improve efficiency

• Maintain cell banks and perform quality control testing of working cell stocks

• Assist fellow lab associates in providing a functional, safe working environment while maximizing laboratory efficiency

• Mentor and support junior staff and build a culture of support and collaboration

• Perform extended hours, weekend, and holiday work to support ongoing lab activities

About You

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biological or engineering sciences with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience  

• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture techniques and aseptic practices

• Knowledge of transfection methods (chemical, lipid-based, electroporation) for mammalian cells

• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques including PCR, cloning, and DNA/RNA extraction

• Experience with basic analytical methods such as ELISA, Western blotting, and flow cytometry

• Understanding of cell line development workflows and clone selection strategies

• Familiarity with vector design principles and expression systems

• Basic knowledge of bioreactor operations and cell culture scale-up principles

• Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data using statistical methods

• Strong attention to detail in executing protocols and recording observations

• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Effective communication skills for presenting data and collaborating with team members

• Willingness to learn new techniques and adapt methodologies based on project needs

• Ability to work in a fast-paced research environment with changing priorities

Why Choose Us?

• Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.

• Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.

• Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.

• Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

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All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.