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Research and Development

R&D
Where your curiosity drives the
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R&D - Intrepide China - Principal Scientist I, Disease Biology - Suzhou

Nanjing, China
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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.

About the job

We are seeking a highly motivated and scientifically driven disease biology scientist to join us. This role will lead efforts that advance discovery programs from early research through preclinical candidate development. The successful candidate will provide biological insights that support data‑driven decision‑making throughout the preclinical stage, by integrating in vivo and ex vivo studies, data interpretation, and cross‑functional collaboration. Candidates with experience in Inflammation & Immunology, Ophthalmology, or Neurology are particularly encouraged to apply.

Main responsibilities include:

  • Design and deliver scientifically rigorous studies to characterize target biology and candidate profiles using disease‑relevant models.

  • Develop and apply translational approaches (in vivo, ex vivo, or patient‑derived systems) to deepen biological understanding and enhance clinical relevance.

  • Integrate experimental findings and human data to support the advancement of innovative therapeutic concepts.

  • Partner effectively with colleagues across functions including DMPK, Preclinical Safety, and Bioinformatics to ensure scientific alignment and robust data interpretation.

  • Independently identify, assess, and prioritize new scientific opportunities by leveraging expertise in disease biology, emerging technologies, and translational science.

  • Oversee research conducted through external partners (e.g., CROs), ensuring scientific quality, compliance, and timely execution.

  • Communicate research outcomes clearly and persuasively across internal project meetings, scientific forums, and governance meetings.

About you

  • Ph.D. or equivalent degree in life sciences, biomedical research, or a related discipline.

  • 5+ years of experience in drug discovery or translational research within the pharmaceutical industry.

  • Strong scientific foundation in disease biology, with research experience in Inflammation & Immunology, Ophthalmology, or Neurology.

  • Track record of impactful contribution, evidenced by key project outcomes, patents, or publications.

  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate scientific opportunities and propose innovative research directions.

  • Excellence in scientific communication, collaboration, and leadership within multidisciplinary and global project environments.

Pursue progress, discover extraordinary

Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But 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. So, let’s be those people.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability, gender identity or Veteran status.

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

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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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