R&D
Where your curiosity drives the
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Job title: AI-Enabled iPSC Disease Modeling & Functional Genomics

• Location: Cambridge, MA

About the Job

Sanofi is building a next-generation neuroscience research engine focused on defining the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease — Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis — through high-resolution interrogation of human models and tissue. We are seeking a Senior Research Associate II to develop and deploy human iPSC-derived cellular models and CRISPR-based functional genomics to interrogate TDP-43 biology and other priority pathways, and to deliver fit-for-purpose assays that drive internal discovery programs.

This role sits at the experimental engine of the group. The successful candidate will design, generate, and characterize isogenic iPSC lines and iPSC-derived glial and neuronal cultures; build robust phenotypic assays suitable for hit-finding and target validation; and contribute to pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens that uncover genetic modifiers of disease-relevant phenotypes. The role partners closely with computational biologists, neuropathologists, and program teams to translate human cellular insights into actionable drug discovery hypotheses.

Join the engine of Sanofi’s mission — where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, you’ll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions.

About Sanofi:

We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.

Main responsibilities:

• Maintain, expand, and quality-control human iPSC lines; generate and validate isogenic disease-relevant lines using CRISPR/Cas9, base editing, and prime editing (knock-in, knock-out, and tagged reporter alleles).

• Differentiate iPSCs into disease-relevant CNS cell types — including microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocyte-lineage cells, and motor and cortical neurons — using established and emerging protocols; develop and optimize co-culture and tri-culture systems as needed.

• Build and validate fit-for-purpose cellular assays to interrogate TDP-43 biology and other priority mechanisms, including cryptic exon readouts (e.g., STMN2, UNC13A, HDGFL2), TDP-43 mislocalization and aggregation, cellular stress responses, and disease-relevant functional endpoints.

• Develop high-content imaging and plate-based assays (96- and 384-well formats) suitable for compound screening, target validation, and mechanism-of-action studies; partner with screening and ADME groups to qualify assays for internal use.

• Apply AI/machine learning–based image analysis approaches for cellular phenotyping and high-content readouts, in partnership with computational team members.

• Contribute to the design, execution, and analysis of pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens (CRISPRko, CRISPRi, CRISPRa) in iPSC-derived models, including library handling, lentiviral packaging, transduction, FACS- or imaging-based selection, and single nuclei RNA and ATAC seq sample preparation.

• Generate and maintain stable cell lines, lentiviral reporter systems, and inducible expression systems to support discovery programs.

• Maintain rigorous electronic lab notebook records, contribute to internal data reviews, present results at group and cross-functional meetings, and contribute to publications, posters, and patent filings.

• Develop, optimize, and document standard operating procedures; train junior team members on established assays and platforms.

• Coordinate with external academic collaborators and CRO partners on cell line generation, screen execution, and assay transfer.

About You

Education:

• BS with 4+ years OR MS with 2+ years, of relevant laboratory experience in stem cell biology, neuroscience, molecular biology, cell biology, or a related discipline.

Experience & Technical Skills:

• Demonstrated hands-on proficiency in human iPSC culture, banking, karyotype/STR/pluripotency QC, and directed differentiation into at least one CNS cell type (microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocyte-lineage cells, or neurons).

• Hands-on experience developing plate-based and/or high-content imaging assays, including assay miniaturization, Z’-factor and reproducibility assessment, and basic statistical interpretation of phenotypic data.

• Familiarity with high-content imaging platforms (e.g., Opera Phenix, ImageXpress, IN Cell, Yokogawa CV8000) and image analysis tools (Harmony, Columbus, CellProfiler, QuPath).

Soft Skills:

• Strong organizational skills, meticulous record-keeping, and the ability to manage multiple parallel workflows in a deadline-driven environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication; comfort presenting data to scientific audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with co-culture, tri-culture, or organoid systems modeling neuron–glia interactions.

• Hands-on experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in human iPSCs, including guide design, delivery (RNP, lentiviral, or transfection), clone isolation, and validation of edited lines.

• Direct experience executing pooled or arrayed CRISPR screens, including library handling, transduction, selection strategy, NGS sample preparation, and first-pass analysis using MAGeCK or comparable tools.

• Background in neurodegenerative disease research, particularly TDP-43 proteinopathies, ALS, FTD, or related disorders.

• Working knowledge of R or Python sufficient to perform QC, generate exploratory plots, and interface with computational collaborators.

• Familiarity with AI/machine learning–based image analysis for cellular phenotyping.

• Experience with CRISPR activation/interference systems.

• Prior pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience and exposure to GLP/GxP-adjacent documentation practices.

• Co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications.

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.

• Be part of a pioneering biopharma company that engages patients early in drug development and uses their insights to design studies that reflect real-world needs.

• Help improve the lives of millions of people globally by making drug development quicker and more effective.

• Work at the forefront of drug discovery, harnessing cutting-edge AI, data, and digital platforms to push the boundaries of science.

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.

Pursue Progress. Discover Extraordinary.

Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science - where your growth can be just as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and do what’s never-been-done-before. You’ll help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions that reach the communities we serve. Ready to chase the miracles of science and improve people’s lives? Let’s Pursue Progress and Discover Extraordinary – together.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Watch 'One day at Sanofi' and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives at sanofi.com