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(Senior) Associate Scientist - Lab Automation Engineer

Ghent, Belgium Permanent Posted on   Dec. 09, 2024 Closing on   Jan. 08, 2025
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  • Location: Ghent, BE
  • This is an on-site role with possibility of occasional ad-hoc remote work
  • Job type: Permanent, full time
  • Grade: 2.1
  • Hiring Manager: Paddy Smith

About The Job

Join Sanofi R&D in Ghent as (Senior) Associate Scientist - Lab Automation Engineer to strengthen and expand our automation and data science expertise within the early CMC department, more specifically in downstream processing. In this role, you will support the development of high-throughput automated processes and assays using state-of-the-art equipment and be part of the team to perform first line data analysis. You will directly contribute to the acceleration of R&D projects by using your expertise in automation in the screening/characterization and purification assessment of NANOBODY® lead candidates. These activities will support the pre-clinical development of NANOBODY® molecules in different therapeutic areas (e.g. immuno-oncology, immunology, rare and neuro disease, etc.).

About Our Team

Sanofi Ghent is a biopharmaceutical site dedicated to creating new antibody-based therapeutics called NANOBODY® molecules which are making a real difference to society. The Ghent site currently has around 400 people working on the development of NANOBODY® molecules for the treatment of a wide range of diseases.


You will become a member of an enthusiastic and international team with a can-do attitude, which is fun-loving and always ready to help.

Main Responsibilities

  • Programming of laboratory automation equipment (liquid handlers, robotics) for the development of fully automated high throughput processes
  • Independently designing and executing automated experiments
  • Keeping up with latest developments in the field of Lab automation
  • Maintaining integrated automation instruments
  • Developing methods and scripts to automate analysis and report of large data sets.
  • Assisting technical staff in automated experiments for multiple projects starting from the lab up to data analysis and reporting
  • Provide training and guidance to personnel regarding automation protocol development and execution.
  • Collaborate regarding technical expertise within the Sanofi network and with external engineering companies.
  • Maintain a broad knowledge of automation concepts, practices, and procedures and critically evaluate relevant literature with respect to applicable projects
  • Be at the heart of building out the Automation HUB for early CMC department with close collaboration within the large early CMC department

    About You
  • Degree of B.Sc. with 2 years of relevant experience or M.Sc. with 0-2 years (degree should be in engineering, bioengineering, computer science or applied science field)
  • Experience in transforming laboratory protocols into automated high-throughput protocols is a huge benefit.
  • Experience with laboratory automation equipment (Tecan, Hamilton or Agilent based systems).
  • Programming expertise with one or more commercial liquid handlers is required such as EvoWare, Fluentcontrol, Synthace), while programming knowledge in Python, R, or Matlab is highly desired
  • Solid analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Experience in preparative chromatography and process development, knowledge of Unicorn is highly advantageous
  • Experience in first line data science and use of spotfire is highly beneficial
  • A pro-active approach and high sense for safety, quality, accuracy, and detail
  • A team-oriented attitude, flexibility, enthusiasm, and ability to work independently
  • Verbal and written fluency in English with ability to report and discuss experimental design and data

    The CV should be in English and should include a separate paragraph specifying your technical expertise. If you possess the necessary skills to fulfil this unique role, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

#LI-EUR #LI-Hybrid

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

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