Principal Scientist- Vaccines

Job Title: Principal Scientist- Vaccines

About the Job

The Virology Group within the Global Antigen Design (GAD) organization contributes to the advancement of licensed vaccine products and novel candidates from lead optimization to IND-enabling activities.  He/she/they promote state-of-the art scientific/technological competencies and resources to support projects, streamlined to customer needs.  The mission is performed with respect to the Health, Safety, Environment and Security (HSES) rules, in compliance with all other Sanofi policies and standards (Quality, Ethics, Integrity, Human Resources levers and in accordance with driving principles of the GAD organization i.e. acceleration mindset, project centricity, customer centricity, harmonization of practices, flexibility, innovation capacity).

The primary responsibilities of the Principal Scientist, Virology will be to support new and ongoing vaccine projects by overseeing preclinical studies with the aim to identify lead vaccine candidates against clinically important viral pathogens.  This position provides key contributions to the new vaccine (NV) research portfolio.  S/he/they is an accomplished Virologist and recognized internal subject matter expert and may lead local scientific teams and/or sub-teams of wide impact and multidisciplinary scope. 

We are an innovative global healthcare company that helps the world stay ahead of infectious diseases by delivering more than 500 million vaccine doses a year. Across different countries, our talented teams are exploring new technologies to protect people and promote healthy communities. We chase the miracles of science every single day, pursuing progress to make a real impact on millions of patients around the world.

Main Responsibilities:

• Scientific support NV & technology portfolio progression (75%)

  • S/he/they will ensure that the program can realize the maximum value by testing multiple hypothesis within the same experimental framework and by ensuring that the “AND” philosophy is routinely applied to programs being driven by the Global Antigen Design Function.

  • Contribute to the building of the GAD Function strategy with innovative thinking and cutting-edge technology to support next generation vaccines.

  • Independently plan, design, and execute experiments within the scope of the Virology Platform, to meet the program objectives and demonstrate a willingness to implement new technologies and protocols to support the NV programs.

  • Demonstrate technical proficiency, complex data analysis, and the ability to problem solve in a broad array of experimental protocols.

  • Generation and management of external contracts with CROs and academic partners.

  • Support efficient collaboration and alignment with other groups and functions to maximize value added.

  • Guarantees the quality of documentation for project downstream transition and IND filings.

  • S/he/they is expected to support resource planning as is relevant to execution of the NV program macroplan (cost estimates). 

• Local Subject Matter Expert:  Develops and Provides Scientific Expertise (15%)

  • As an internal Subject Matter Expert in the field of Virology, stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements in virology and vaccine development, and integrate new knowledge into ongoing projects

  • Contributes to innovation and cross-functional and/or external collaborations. 

  • Acts as a catalyser to promote scientific visibility on technological aspects (publications, communications at international conferences)

  • Communicates efficiently of project progression to upper management as needed.

  • Fosters training and mentoring of junior staff members.

• Communication (5%)

  • Ensures regular communication with the main clients: definition of the needs, harmonization of methods, efficient transfer of assets.

  • S/he/they communicate their own research results and those of the team at functional reviews and to appropriate governance committees, as requested by the CPO/GPH/GPT.

• HSE /Quality Responsibilities (5%)

  • Comply with the company safety policies, trainings and HSE to minimize risk to self, others and the environment, consistent with HSE policies, community and industry standards.

  • Document all work appropriately in appropriate electronic tools and perform laboratory support activities.

  • Responds promptly to all health and safety concerns or incidents and completes the appropriate documentation in a timely manner

About You

Experience:

• Previous experience working in the industry (+4yrs), preferably in vaccinology or equivalent discipline. 

Skills:

• Extensive hands-on expertise and knowledge in Virological techniques: virus amplification, titration assay, virus like particle generation/characterization, and neutralization assays

• Knowledge of molecular biology applications: PCR, cloning, RNA extraction, RT-PCR, Sequencing analysis

• Knowledge and experience with automated or semi-automatic platforms in assay use

• Experience in flow cytometry and other cell-based assay screening techniques

• Experience with microscopy and developing novel imaging protocols

• Hands-on experience with scientific software for advanced data analytics and visualization (Genious, snapgene, Prism, Tableau, Sequencher, or similar software)

• Experience working in an agile, matrixed environment a plus

• Leadership skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and experience working on multiple projects.

• Proficient interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills

• Resourcefulness: ability to find tactical solutions to challenges and deliver against aggressive timelines

• Strongly results-oriented and data-driven, track record of delivery against challenging viral vaccine targets with aggressive timelines

Education:

• Advanced degree, Ph.D. in Virology or related field

Languages:

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

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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