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Research Associate - RNA Synthesis Platform Development

Waltham, Massachusetts Salary Range   USD 64,500.00 - 93,166.66
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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.

Job title: Research Associate - RNA Synthesis Platform Development

  • Location: Waltham, MA

About the Job

Are you passionate about advancing RNA therapeutics and cutting-edge biotechnology? We're seeking a talented Research Associate - RNA Synthesis Platform Development to join our dynamic team in Waltham, where innovation meets impact in the rapidly evolving world of mRNA technology.

Join the engine of Sanofi’s mission — where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, you’ll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions.

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.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry or related fields.

  • Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience in an industrial laboratory setting.

Main responsibilities:

As a Research Associate in our RNA synthesis group, you'll be at the forefront of developing next-generation therapeutic platforms. Your work will directly contribute to breakthrough treatments that could transform patients' lives worldwide.

  • Drive Platform Innovation: Support individual program development through the application of cutting-edge platform synthesis technologies.

  • Technology Development: Evaluate and develop new technologies for improving current platform processes, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in RNA synthesis.

  • Automated Systems Management: Operate and optimize Hamilton Vantage automated systems and liquid handling platforms using Venus software.

  • Enzymatic Process Optimization: Design and execute enzymatic reactions with a focus on in vitro transcription and enzyme kinetics

  • Quality Control & Analysis: Perform comprehensive nucleic acid purification and characterization using advanced analytical techniques.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Design experiments and conduct quantitative data analysis to drive scientific conclusions.

Additional Qualifications

Technical Expertise:

  • Biochemistry Foundation: Strong background in enzymatic reactions and catalysis, with particular emphasis on in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions and enzyme kinetics.

  • RNA Biochemistry: Demonstrated expertise in RNA synthesis, protein and nucleic acid biochemistry, and enzymatic process development (preferably in mRNA manufacturing).

  • Laboratory Automation: Experience with Hamilton Vantage automated systems and Venus software for liquid handling methods

  • Analytical Techniques: Proficiency in RNA purification and characterization assays including Ethanol precipitation, Spectrophotometry, Capillary electrophoresis, ELISA and qPCR methodologies.

  • Scientific Rigor: Strong experimental design skills and quantitative data analysis capabilities.

Essential Skills:

  • Fluency in English (written and verbal).

  • Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.

  • Collaborative mindset with strong communication abilities.

  • Adaptability in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

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 and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.

  • Be part of a pioneering biopharma company that engages patients early in drug development and uses their insights to design studies that reflect real-world needs.

  • Help improve the lives of millions of people globally by making drug development quicker and more effective.

  • Work at the forefront of drug discovery, harnessing cutting-edge AI, data, and digital platforms to push the boundaries of science.


Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

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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.

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

  • 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.

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"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

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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?

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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.

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