R&D
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Job Title: Principal Scientist – Experiment Disease Modeling

Location: Cambridge, MA

About the Job

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.

The Target, Disease and Systems Biology (TDSB) function within Sanofi Research brings together a talented and multidisciplinary team of computational scientists, bioinformaticians, engineers, and experimental scientists. United by a shared mission, the team is dedicated to accelerating scientific discovery across all stages of the drug development pipeline—spanning immunology and inflammation, oncology, neuroscience, rare diseases, and ophthalmology. Within TDSB, Preclinical Omics is an experimental group specializing in the generation of high dimensional data generation across proteomic, genomic, and cellular modalities. By leveraging experimental technologies, the Preclinical Omics group’s mission spans disease profiling, target credentialling, assay development and characterization, mechanism of action studies and back translation of Sanofi assets.

Preclinical Omics is looking to centralize disease modeling across Sanofi Research by developing, leveraging and profiling the newest generation of complex disease models such as organoids, 3D scaffold cocultures, ex vivo explants, and air liquid interfaces.  Join various teams of experts working to understand and model disease biology, uncover novel pathways and mechanisms, translate drug candidates, and identify strategies to address unmet medical needs.

This position offers the opportunity to collaborate across multiple disease indications including oncology, autoimmune disease, rare disease, neurology, and ophthalmology to apply the newest complex disease model systems for testing Sanofi drug candidates.  The ideal candidate will bring extensive technical and strategic experience with developing and applying complex in vitro models and validating them against both in vivo models and patient disease data.  Additionally, this role will keep up with the latest developments from external solution providers specializing in complex disease modeling and collaborate with stakeholders on assessing the applicability of new model systems for outsourcing or internalization.  Finally, this role will also be integral for decision making around which model systems are best for TDSB to train foundational AI models via “lab-in-the-loop” style iterative high-dimensional profiling.

If you are someone who can think strategically, lead the execution of both internal and external complex disease modeling and analysis efforts, as well as effectively communicate actionable information to both expert and nonexpert stakeholders, then this role is for you.  Strong organizational skills, record keeping, planning, scheduling, and lab management are essential. Come join our team of enthusiastic-driven scientists, pushing the boundaries of science.

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:

• Design, develop, and maintain complex  in vitro model systems in collaboration with disease experts.
• Optimize and troubleshoot candidate profiling efforts with collaborators and stakeholders across departments and therapeutic areas
• Collaborate with high dimensional data generation (single cell/spatial transcriptomics) and computational biology teams to provide detailed profiling and comparisons between in vitro models and in vivo/patient disease data.
• Experience with high dimensional data generation or direct downstream analysis a plus
• Integrate model systems with functional genomics validation efforts
• Communicate actionable information to stakeholders
• Work with external academic key opinion leaders to leverage unique models or help kickstart pilot studies via Sanofi academic grants or technology awards.
• Identify and pilot new solution provider companies through technology access programs and CROs to assess new complex in vitro models to inform stakeholders about new opportunities and potential for internalization where appropriate.
• Present posters and talks at internal scientific events and external conferences
• Publish scientific findings in collaboration with TA stakeholders and external academic collaborators
• Mentor junior scientists, collaborators, and colleagues
• Manage multidisciplinary teams in a matrixed format

About You

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Immunology, Cellular Biology, plus a minimum of 5 years post PhD experience in an academic or biopharmaceutical setting or masters degree plus minimum 7 years post MS degree relevant experience
• Has advanced knowledge of the principles, concepts and practices of various aspects of complex cell modeling and growing knowledge of principles in disease biology, drug discovery, high dimensional profiling or other related disciplines
• Applies technical skills and scientific knowledge to design experiments, assist in project design and independently complete disease modeling projects. Acts as a scientific resource within TDSB and across Therapeutic Areas
• Promotes the use of novel experimental approaches and adoption of complex in vitro models; routinely investigates/creates innovative processes, hypotheses and methodologies.
• Develops innovative approaches and/or ideas for drug discovery and/or candidate profiling.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think strategically and lead collaborations.
• Excellent track record of scientific publications, presentations, IND filings, regulatory advocacy, patents and/or projects as a leading contributor. Strong track record of project impact.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to independently troubleshoot and optimize assays.
• Strong team player with effective communication and presentation skills
• Experience educating and mentoring stakeholders and junior colleagues

Preferred qualifications:

• Tissue culture (Primary Cell Isolation, Differentiation, Immortalization, Expansion)
• Strong skills in flow cytometry (data acquisition and analysis), cytokine assays, and viability/proliferation platforms
• In vitro profiling techniques (IHC, IF, qPCR, RNAseq, Proteomics, Live cell imaging, transepithelial electrical resistance, permeability tests)
• Drug Screening
• Experience developing at least one kind of complex culture (organoid, spheroid, tumoroid, ALI, explant)
• Experience applying in vitro models for mechanism of action studies
• Experience evaluating new complex culture publications or companies
• Scaffold and Matrix Engineering (Collagen, Matrigel, Synthetic ECM Polymers)
• Functional Perturbation Assays (CRISPR, combinatorial screening, electrophysiology)
• High Dimensional Profiling of in vitro models (Single Cell Transcriptomics, Spatial Transcriptomics, Spatial Proteomics, High Parameter Flow Cytometry, Mass Spec, High Content Imaging)
• Microfluidics
• Familiarity with different modes of therapeutics (ie. Antibodies, bi-specifics, degraders, ADCs, etc)

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.

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