R&D
Where your curiosity drives the
miracles of
science
Principal Scientist – Transgenic Models and Digitalization
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.
Scientist – Transgenic Models & Laboratory Digitalization
Montpellier, France
About the Job
As a Scientist – Transgenic Models & Laboratory Digitalization within our Translational In Vivo Models (TIM) department, you will combine extensive hands-on expertise in transgenic mouse colony management and animal handling with a strong interest in laboratory digital transformation. You will be deeply involved in the day-to-day production and characterization of genetically modified rodent models, while also driving innovative digitalization initiatives — including connected glasses, OMICS data integration, and digital laboratory management tools. Ready to get started?
Join the heart of Sanofi's mission, where excellence in immunoscience meets the power of artificial intelligence. In R&D, you will be part of major discoveries with the potential to change the lives of millions of patients around the world.
About Sanofi
We're an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people's lives and delivering compelling long-term growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system — and our 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
Transgenic colony management & animal handling: Plan, organize, and directly supervise the breeding of transgenic, knock-out, and knock-in mouse colonies, with hands-on involvement in colony monitoring, breeding pair setup, and daily animal care.
Breeding strategies & genotyping: Define and implement optimized breeding strategies, perform genotyping operations (DNA extraction, PCR, result analysis), and conduct advanced animal manipulations (injections, in vivo immunizations, biological sampling).
Laboratory digitalization: Lead the implementation of innovative solutions — connected glasses for hands-free protocol execution, electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN), animal colony management software, and data visualization dashboards.
OMICS data integration: Contribute to the design and execution of multi-omics experiments (transcriptomics, genomics, proteomics) applied to transgenic model characterization, and ensure the management and integration of OMICS datasets into bioinformatics analysis pipelines.
Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with animal facilities, veterinary teams, principal investigators, project pharmacologists, and Sanofi's digital teams to ensure animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and technological innovation.
Training & mentoring: Train and supervise technical staff and students in animal handling, breeding techniques, and genotyping procedures, maintaining high standards of animal welfare and scientific rigor.
Reporting & innovation: Prepare scientific reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, and actively contribute to the department's innovation culture by proposing and testing new technological approaches.
About You
Experience: Extensive hands-on experience in transgenic mouse colony management, including direct responsibility for breeding planning, colony maintenance, and daily animal care; proficiency in advanced animal manipulation techniques (genotyping, injections, in vivo immunizations, biological sampling); experience or documented interest in digitalization projects in scientific or industrial environments.
Technical skills: Expert-level competency in mouse breeding strategies and Mendelian genetics; molecular biology skills (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR); proficiency in Microsoft Office and data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau); statistical analysis skills (Prism, R, or Python appreciated); appetite for new technologies and ability to quickly evaluate and adopt new digital tools.
Soft skills: Hands-on, practical approach with demonstrated ability to work effectively in laboratory and animal facility environments; strong animal welfare ethic and commitment to the 3Rs principles; innovative mindset and intellectual curiosity with genuine appetite for digital transformation; excellent organizational skills and ability to manage priorities in a multi-project environment.
Education: PhD or Master's degree (M2) in genetics, molecular biology, animal biology, or related biological sciences; additional training in bioinformatics, data science, or digital sciences is a significant asset (required for the role).
Regulatory & Compliance: Valid animal experimentation certification (or ability to obtain rapidly); knowledge of European regulations on animal experimentation (EU Directive 2010/63/EU) and FELASA guidelines.
Languages: French: full professional proficiency required; English: professional level required (international work environment).
Why Choose Us?
Work at the forefront of scientific discovery, leveraging the latest advances in AI, data, and digital platforms to push the boundaries of research.
Help improve the lives of millions of people globally by making drug development quicker and more effective.
Collaborate beyond your area of expertise, working with diverse multidisciplinary teams across science, clinical, and digital fields to spark new ideas and drive breakthroughs.
Enjoy exceptional benefits including flexible working hours, comprehensive health coverage, and wellness programs designed to help you thrive.
Work with cutting-edge technology in an excellent laboratory environment, with state-of-the-art animal facilities and motivated teams.
Contribute to groundbreaking research in transgenic models that directly impacts drug discovery and development.
Join a world-class R&D hub in Montpellier, a vibrant international city offering an excellent quality of life and a strong scientific community.
Always Striving. Discover the Extraordinary.
Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science — where your journey can be just as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and accomplish what has never been done before. You will help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions for 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, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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
Final compensation will be determined based on demonstrated experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs.
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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.
"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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