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Research and Development

R&D
Where your curiosity drives the
miracles of
science

Principal Scientist, Lab Head - all genders

Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Apply now

At a glance

Bring your curiosity to a team where deep immunoscience meets cutting-edge innovation. Across oncology, rare diseases, neurology, and vaccines, you’ll work at the intersection of lab science and AI-powered discovery — all while collaborating across boundaries to turn breakthrough ideas into real-world impact. Whether you want to deepen your scientific expertise or grow as a leader, you’ll find the opportunity here.

To ensure a rapid processing of your application, please apply only via the “Apply” button. Please include a letter of motivation and a current resume with your application.In your cover letter, please highlight your motivation to apply, and how your experience and skillset are connected to this position.

About the job

Our Team:

At Sanofi, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. In the Global CMC department of R&D we develop industrial-scale production processes to bring our pipeline medicines to the patient. As part of the Microbial Platform in Frankfurt, we are developing cutting edge manufacturing processes for the next generation of microbial-derived biologics.

To support our Host Strain Development Team in Frankfurt, we are looking for a highly self-motivated, innovative Laboratory Head with passion for microbial biotechnology and synthetic biology who is eager to bring research into application for the benefit of patients.

Main responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage a team of technicians, post-docs/scientists, and students
  • Lead planning and design of microbial strain engineering, molecular biological experiments, expression tests and process development
  • Responsible for the generation of high performing microbial strains producing our pipeline molecules - from expression construct design to generation of non-GMP cell banks
  • Development, evaluation, and implementation of new methods or applications and optimization of existing state-of-the-art process-relevant methods and molecular biological techniques
  • Data analysis and data interpretation, presentation and reporting of results to international and interdisciplinary audience
  • Spearhead the implementation of high-throughput methods and AI-supported data analysis
  • Work independently as a fully integrated member of a cross-functional, interdisciplinary, and international CMC development team and contribute to interdisciplinary CMC project teams
  • Collaborate with global teams across Research, Production, and Outsourcing
  • Follow, review, and share the latest project-related innovations and technology breakthroughs in academia and industry
  • Contribute to collaborations with academic institutions
  • Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements

About you

Experience:

  • PhD with experience in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, and microbial expression systems or a closely related field
  • 3 – 5 years of industry experience in the biopharmaceutical environment
  • Proven leadership experience (personnel management)
  • Track record within the field of recombinant protein expression technology, synthetic biology, and strain engineering with strong focus on bacterial expression systems like E. coli and/or yeast, especially Pichia pastoris (Komagataella phaffii)

Scientific Skills:

  • Expert knowledge in modern molecular biology techniques, microbiology and strong background in E. coli and/or yeast (P. pastoris) genetics, physiology and strain engineering
  • Experience with DNA sequence design, genome databases, cloning software (e. g. SnapGene) and electronic lab notebooks (e. g. Benchling)
  • Experience with genome engineering techniques of microbial strains
  • Experience with high-throughput screening methods
  • Proficiency in automated data analysis and visualization
  • Understanding of AI-supported processes in biotechnology
  • Experience with complex laboratory equipment and robotic systems
  • Experience with NGS techniques and/or NGS data analysis is a plus

Soft Skills:

  • Passionate about biotechnology and synthetic biology
  • Strong communication skills in cross-functional, international settings
  • Strategic thinking, innovative mindset and entrepreneurial spirit
  • Excellence in project management
  • Ability to drive a scientific project from idea to application, "Can Do”-Attitude
  • Demonstrated ability/willingness to quickly learn and perform in new areas, implement new techniques and instrumentation
  • Elaborate, structured and accurate way of working
  • Strong team player with analytical skills and interest to work in a highly interdisciplinary area

Languages:

  • Fluent in English, preferably good German skills

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.
  • Benefit from a well-thought-out benefits package that rewards your contribution and commitment.
  • We take care of you and your family with a wide range of health and social such as high-quality healthcare, numerous prevention programs and coverage for long-term illness. Our 14-week paid family leave for both parents is outstanding as well as a wide range of childcare benefits.
  • Start your career at an attractive location in the center of Germany and experience our modern working environment and benefit from hybrid, flexible working time models.

Pursue Progress. Discover Extraordinary.

Progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. You can be one of those people. Chasing change, embracing new ideas and exploring all the opportunities we have to offer. Let’s pursue progress. And let’s 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, or gender identity.

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!

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#PursueProgress

#DiscoverExtraordinary

#WeNeverSettle

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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

Apply now
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Why work with us

  • Expand your horizons. Grow through curiosity, with support to move, learn, and lead in a culture that champions mentorship, mobility, and bold development.

  • Accelerate results with technology. Harness the power of AI and automation to push scientific boundaries and reimagine what's possible in drug discovery.

  • Impact through inclusive innovation. Help deliver better science and fairer outcomes by driving inclusive research that reaches more people, in more meaningful ways.

  • Turn patient needs into breakthrough science. Drive scientific breakthroughs that start with patient needs – and end in treatments that change lives.

Meet Nils Libert, Associate Scientist

Meet Nils Libert, an Associate Scientist in Belgium, where he plays a key role in advancing groundbreaking research. Learn how his work helps drive innovation, uncover new scientific possibilities, and contribute to life-changing treatments that impact patients around the world.

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"At Sanofi, we are building an R&D engine powered by the best science, digital innovation, and a commitment to transforming the lives of patients around the world."

Houman Ashrafian

EVP & Head of R&D

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Discover how we're reshaping the future of medicine through immunoscience – unlocking bold, cross-disease breakthroughs that were unimaginable just a decade ago.

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