R&D
Where your curiosity drives the
miracles of
science
Senior Associate Scientist Purification Process Development
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.
Job Title: Senior Associate Associate - Purification Process Development
Location: Waltham, MA
About the Job:
The Genomic Medicine Unit (GMU) in Sanofi is responsible for the design and optimization of viral vector manufacturing processes and platforms. This organization encompasses vector and cell line engineering, upstream and downstream process development, analytics, and clinical manufacturing support.
The GMU purification process development group is responsible for the development of AAV and non-viral vector processes and for supporting viral vector purification from next-generation production platforms to enable high-dose gene therapy programs. The Senior Research Associate (SRA) – Downstream Process Development role requires leadership both inside and outside the laboratory and will rely on industry expertise and the exploration of novel technologies in order to build robust and efficient purification processes consistent with patient safety standards.
We are looking for a candidate with experience in AAV and/or non-viral purification development, scale-up and manufacturing, and technology transfer.
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.
Main Responsibilities:
Support to develop, design and conduct viral vector purification experiments and evaluate new technologies to increase product yield and process understanding
Develop, maintain and demonstrate advanced knowledge of principals and techniques in column chromatography and other areas of downstream purification
Maintain industry knowledge and awareness of new and relevant technologies, and be willing to publish findings and to speak both internally and externally as industry leaders
Lead / support development of study design, optimization of purification process conditions, media screening and perform troubleshooting experiments and communicate findings with appropriate working groups
Perform data analyses, contribute to technical reports and internal/external presentations
Support scale-up activities to implement a manufacturing process based on applied DSP knowledge
Communicate effectively with internal and external teams, e.g. CDMOs for tech transfer activities
Contribute to manuscript and patent writing for external publications and patent applications, respectively
Self-motivated and display sound technical judgement
Build a culture of support and collaboration among colleagues
About you:
Basic Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's OR Master's degree in: Chemical Engineering, Biological/Life Sciences, or a related field
Experience:
Bachelor's holders: 2+ years of experience in laboratory or related settings
Master's holders: 6+ months of experience in laboratory or related settings
Academic or research experience will be considered.
Knowledge of purification technologies and operations such as: Depth filtration, AKTA, automated protein purification chromatography, tangential flow filtration, UF/DF, virus clearance and inactivation or filtration unit operations at various scales.
Understanding of chromatography principles and separation methods
Technical report writing skills
Ability to learn and perform viral vector analyses using new tools and techniques
Good laboratory practices (GLP), including detailed lab notebook documentation
Preferred Qualifications
Experience specifically with AAV and/or non-viral vector purification
Knowledge of analytical tools: spectrophotometry, ELISA, HPLC, and SDS-PAGE
Familiarity with Quality by Design principles and ability to apply Design of Experiments (DOE) to downstream development
Understanding of virus clearance study design and execution
Experience with large-scale manufacturing unit operations
Experience with process technology transfers, gap analyses, and risk assessments
Biosafety Level 2 lab experience
Ability to work under minimal supervision
Strong organizational and communication skills (verbal and written)
Ability to build cross-functional relationships and represent the team in multi-functional meetings
Collaborative, team-oriented mindset
Ability to stand and work with lab bench equipment for extended periods
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.
Work at the forefront of drug discovery, harnessing cutting-edge AI, data, and digital platforms to push the boundaries of science.
Help improve the lives of millions of people globally by making drug development quicker and more effective.
Sanofi US Services and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive 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.
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.
Find out more about this location
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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