In the race for the future of health– The Sanofi mRNA Center of Excellence (CoE)

At Sanofi, we chase the miracles of science, and we know mRNA has a role to play in the future of health. And while the pandemic has shaken up our industry, creating new opportunities and risks, we believe the acceleration of innovation with mRNA technology means vaccines and treatments for more people faster than before.

That’s why we’re looking for bold, optimistic world-changers to join our mRNA Center of Excellence. We’re investing 400m a year into the new Center, hiring a team of 450 dedicated employees, and focusing on implementing an integrated end-to-end mRNA vaccine capabilities and research with R&D, digital and CMC teams.

Bring your ambition and optimism and join us on our journey to discover and deliver transformative medicine to patients through the advancement of our cutting-edge mRNA technology!

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

As part of the DP Leaders & DP Experts team within the Global Drug Product Development group within the mRNA Center of Excellence, you as a DP lipid and general chemistry expert will represent mRNA-LNP DP on platform improvement team and CMC project teams. In this role you are expected to work independently and to closely collaborate / lead cross-functional teams with members from chemistry, DS and DP research, DP development, Raw Materials, Analytical Sciences, Quality, Regulatory, Devices, and Manufacturing etc. to deliver remarkable improvements in lipid nanoparticle platform with enhanced mRNA expression. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as the DP formulation/lipid chemistry subject matter expert for the delivery of mRNA therapeutics.  

• Understand the lipid purity, impurity and degradation profiles/kinetics and its implication on the lipid nanoparticle formation, physicochemistry, structure/function and stability 

• Lead understanding of the lipid and mRNA/excipient interactions within LNP during the nanoparticle manufacture and at storage.  

• Maintain up to date knowledge of the scientific advancements in novel lipids for mRNA delivery, lipid-mRNA interactions, provide data interpretation and make recommendations to the respective teams and other key stakeholders within mRNA CoE.  

• Work closely with the drug product development, formulation research, chemistry, biology and analytics teams to assess novel lipids and incorporate new data in the design cycle. 

• Provide strategic and technical leadership to drive the design and optimization of novel lipids using appropriate computational tools and models, and lipidic excipients for lipid nanoparticles. 

• Interface with analytical development team for the design of novel methods to characterize lipids and advance our understanding of the relationship between lipid structure, nanoparticle assembly, nanoparticle properties and physiochemistry, nanoparticle function/performance, and storage stability 

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including project management, intellectual property, and regulatory teams, to achieve the platform/project goals. 

• Effectively communicate scientific findings, advances, and strategies to CoE management and other key stakeholders. 

• Work globally with groups and colleagues in the United States and France 

COMPETENCIES/REQUIREMENTS:

• MS with >12 years of experience; Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, biochemical engineering, or similar with > 8 years of experience 

• Experience in a leadership or a managerial role is preferred 

• Extensive experience in modern synthetic organic chemistry, chromatography and analytical separation/purification/characterization techniques, and nanoparticles. Experience in polymer chemistry and novel excipient chemistry is an added advantage 

• Deeper knowledge on oligonucleotides, such as mRNA, siRNA, DNA, their structure, chemistry, function, and interactions in biological media is a plus 

• Deeper knowledge on molecular biology methods (e.g., gel electrophoresis), mass spectrometry could be an added advantage 

• Highly motivated, Innovative-minded, Team-oriented, and Execution-focused 

• Experience in multi-site-operations and cultures, global projects and matrix management 

• A strong relationship builder at all levels both internally and externally and able to lead a matrix team 

• Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French is preferred. 

• Cooperate transversally / Think strategically / Strive for results /Strong leaderships of transversal teams

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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At Sanofi diversity and inclusion is foundational to how we operate and embedded in our Core Values. We recognize to truly tap into the richness diversity brings we must lead with inclusion and have a workplace where those differences can thrive and be leveraged to empower the lives of our colleagues, patients and customers. We respect and celebrate the diversity of our people, their backgrounds and experiences and provide equal opportunity for all.