Vaccines
Where
extraordinary minds
help protect half a billion people
Principal Scientist
Who we are
Every day, 2.5 million Sanofi vaccine doses reach patients worldwide - powered by bold ideas, cutting-edge science, and passionate people like you. Across every stage — from discovery to delivery — Sanofians are shaping the future of vaccines. In global R&D hubs, exceptional offices, and state-of-the-art manufacturing sites, we’re reimagining what’s possible. But science alone isn’t enough — it’s the extraordinary minds behind it that truly make the difference.
Reference No. R2842312
Position Title: Principal Scientist
Department:Global Drug Product Bioprocess Dev
Location: Toronto, ON
About the Job
Join the team protecting half a billion lives every year with next-gen science, mRNA innovation, and AI-driven breakthroughs. In Vaccines, you’ll help advance prevention on a global scale - and shape the future of immunization.
The role will report to the Global Head Vaccine Drug Product Development and work closely with Unit Heads and Scientists from Vaccine Drug Product Development group based in Toronto and with Marcy l’étoile to accelerate the formulation development in the R&D portfolio.
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:
Provide expertise to Global Vaccine Product teams in formulations, adjuvants and adjuvanted formulation development and work transversally with collaborators including unit heads, scientists and technologists.
Develop platform formulation roadmaps to lead and advance in the field keeping abreast of scientific advances and be able to integrate in the New Vaccine Portfolio.
Lead alignment globally in R&D and across to Industrialization and commercial for the delivery and implementation of the platform roadmap
Ensure mastery and improvement of the Formulation and Adjuvants development platform and mastery of stabilization pathways for different biologics/vaccines modalities
Provide expertise to lead platform in in-silico formulation development, machine learning capabilities in formulation and DP process definition, and end to end digital and automation advances to accelerate development
Lead the structure-function relationship development on new formulation prototypes and support building the pre clinical and clinical formulation package
Lead investigations and troubleshooting in the areas of formulation and adjuvant as an expert.
Contribute broadly across Drug Product teams and with partners, influence strategy, apply depth of expertise to drive formulation development in alignment with future New Vaccine needs &/or Industrial product strategy
This role must balance a 'proximity' to lab activities (including doing some lab work) with strategic elements
Support project plan definitions and provide scientific expertise to projects.
Collaborate with other groups or sites in transfer of Formulation and Adjuvants information and technologies from or to Global Vaccine Drug Product Development.
Closely collaborate with Global experts within VCDS and Bioprocess Development, from Global Industrialization, from Global Immunology and from Global Antigen groups.
The incumbent is also to act as a Scientific leader, VITA subdomain leader and/or GABIE expert.
Other Key Responsibilities:
Provide expertise to Global Vaccine Drug Product Development
Formulation expert in the Vaccine Drug Development Platform in Global Bioprocess Development responsible for transversal scientific and technical aspects of assigned projects, to ensure scientific excellence, adherence to advanced technical standards and compliance with GxP status of work
Ensure mastery and improvement of the Formulation, Adjuvants platform
Lead implementation of the Formulation roadmap and integrate within operational teams to deliver for New Vaccine Projects
Drive development of machine learning and in silico formulation development
Drive next generation of formulation development approaches
Enable end to end integration of digital and automation workflows in drug product development
Advance new approaches in formulation screening, new equipment to enable faster formulation development, develop in-process formulation methodologies to characterize formulations.
Develop design space approaches for Quality by Design
Assist with current and future goals of Global Vaccine Drug Product Development team.
Contribute to plans to maintain, improve, and develop new competencies and assess resources (including personnel, facilities and equipment) necessary to meet current and future goals of the Global Vaccine Drug Product Development team
Contribute to enhancing formulation competencies according to the plan through training, collaboration with external sources of competencies (Universities, Biotech companies, contract manufacturers, etc.), externalization and subcontracting.
Monitor technical skills of the team and propose or lead trainings for continuous improvement of skills/competencies of the teams.
Supervise, train, guide, motivate and empower peer scientists reports to perform assigned tasks as required.
Support project plan definitions and provide scientific expertise and guidance to projects.
Leverage expertise and strong global network to lead definition & realization of CMC platform advancements in formulation and adjuvants in drug product development
Share and align with Vaccine Drug Product Development group based in Toronto or in Marcy l’étoile.
Align priorities, timelines and way of working with Global Vaccine Development experts.
Collaborate productively with all the VCDS organization and in particular with Global Vaccine Development experts and with GMP teams
Lead problem solving through own expertise or other internal or external experts.
Contribute to ensure that teams is adhering to current regulatory practices and GxP guidelines.
Contribute to ensure that teams is adhering to safety and compliance with GxP practices, local and Global SHE/biosafety regulations.
Feed and conduct expertise and innovation within Global Vaccine Drug Product Development
Drive innovation within Global Vaccine Drug Product Development by proposing product, equipment’s and technologies assessment within projects or innovation platforms
Ensure implementation of state of the art and automated/high throughput technologies for formulation development and related methodologies
Drive internal and external scientific visibility of the team.
Lead or contribute to technologies landscaping and survey as needed.
Participate to external technology opportunities
Lead and promote team members to actively contribute to innovation networks or cross transversal R&D and M&S initiatives.
Collaborate with other groups or sites in transfer of formulation related information, materials and technology from or to Global Vaccine Drug Product Development
Contribute to ensure the successful transfer of formulation knowledge, techniques, information and systems from Global Vaccine Drug Product Development to external departments
Support technology transfer and provide resources, as appropriate.
Collaborate closely and routinely with Industrialization colleagues to ensure alignment on current and future ways of working
About You
Key Requirements:
PhD in Biological/Engineering Sciences or related fields with 5+ years of experience in formulation development in vaccine development programs/related biologics programs OR
Master’s degree Engineer with 5+ years of experience in formulation development in vaccine development/related biologics specialized in integrating formulation development with advanced digital/automation/high throughput/in-silico tools
Experience in drug product development and industrialization strongly required
Understanding of complex R&D landscapes globally, ability to identify cutting-edge technologies and new directions, strong knowledge of formulation related digital softwares, strong academic and biotech/pharma scientific networks.
Background and expertise: must have hands on experience in developing formulations and adjuvants.
Good oral communication, leadership, management, and interpersonal skills.
Fluent in English.
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
Applications received after the official close date will be reviewed on an individual basis.
This position is for a new vacant role that is now open for applications.
AI Usage
"Artificial Intelligence” refers to any systems that use automated processes, including algorithms and machine learning, to analyze data and make predictions, inferences, decisions, or recommendations without direct human involvement. These systems may process personal information to identify patterns, improve services, or support decision-making. The Company may use Artificial Intelligence for purposes including, but not limited to, resume screening and hiring, scheduling interviews or meetings, conducting surveys, matching skills with potential job openings, interview scoring, ensuring compliance with regulations applicable to our industry, and activities related to performance evaluation. Information collected and processed by the Company’s Artificial Intelligence systems may include the personal information detailed above and calendar availability. It excludes the information collected and processed for monitoring purposes. You should contact Human Resources if you have a question or concern regarding your personal information. You can also contact Canada’s Privacy Officer via Sanofi’s data subject request portal, Data Subject Rights Webform. The Data Subject Rights Webform can also be used to request access or correction of your personal information and file a complaint.
Sanofi is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants. Accommodations for persons with disabilities required during the recruitment process are available upon request.
#GD-SP
#LI-SP
#LI-Onsite
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.
Toute compensation sera déterminée en fonction de l'expérience démontrée. Les employés peuvent être admissibles à participer aux programmes d'avantages sociaux de l'entreprise. Des informations supplémentaires sur les avantages sociaux peuvent être trouvées ici.
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
Find out more about this location
Why work with us
- We’re problem-solvers and pioneers. United by the belief that everyone deserves a healthier future. We create best-in-class vaccines that prevent disease and protect lives.
- Innovation drives us. From AI and mRNA to next-gen science, we push the boundaries to deliver first- and best-in-class vaccines for infectious diseases worldwide.
- Growth happens here. With bold investments in R&D and world-class facilities, Sanofians across the entire vaccine lifecycle are shaping the future of global health.
- We do what’s right. Sustainability and DE&I drive our positive global impact—because the diverse communities Sanofians represent are the patients we serve.
What does it take to protect the world from disease?
For over a century, we’ve been pioneering breakthroughs that help protect millions from diseases like polio, influenza, RSV, and more. And we’re not stopping there.
Powered by groundbreaking technologies - mRNA platforms, recombinant proteins, and AI-driven insights - we’re pushing the boundaries of science.
"I’m immensely proud of the pace of our innovation – the urgency by which our teams are working to transform the practice of medicine."
Thomas Triomphe
Executive Vice President, Vaccines
Discover more
Sanofi’s mRNA Center of Excellence
Step into the future of healthcare with Sanofi’s mRNA Center of Excellence. Discover how a global team is transforming medicine with cutting-edge mRNA technology – and explore the skills, inspirations, and breakthroughs driving this revolution. Ready to shape the future?
About Sanofi Vaccines
Explore our commitment to protecting global health through the power of vaccines. We’re building healthier communities with innovative solutions that save millions of lives each year. Dive into the future of vaccines, discover the diseases we’re tackling, and learn why vaccination is critical at every stage of life.
Join our
talent community
What could we achieve together? Every Sanofian works on projects that truly make a difference to people’s lives.
Sign up today and discover our latest opportunities as soon as they’re available.