mRNA Analytical Development Scientist - Analytical Sciences

In order to strengthen the Biochemical and Biophysical group in R&D Analytical Sciences Department, Sanofi Pasteur is looking for a skilled and highly motivated individual to develop novel methods and improve characterization of mRNA vaccines in development by working closely with the bioprocess development group.

About the role

The Analytical Sciences Department has the overall responsibility to develop, qualify and validate robust analytical methods to support release and characterization testing of mRNA Drug Substances and Drug Products candidates in development.

At Sanofi’s mRNA Center of Excellence, we are investing €400 million and employing 400 dedicated professionals to accelerate mRNA technology innovation, improving vaccine accessibility and research resources through collaboration with R&D, digital, and CMC teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced technology for biochemical and biophysical assay development, primarily focusing on LC-MS characterization, in support of mRNA vaccine process and product development, product release, stability, and comparability study.
• Work with analytical leads supporting CMC activities.
• Write and review method documentation and characterization reports in support of regulatory filings.
• Ensure timely completion of assignments and deliverables.
• Independently design and execute complex experiments under general supervision.
• Author method development and investigation reports.
• Support QC and/or CROs on investigations, deviations, and change control.
• Participate in internal non-GMP and GMP lab set-up and product release and stability testing.
• Provide training to junior team members.
• Comply with Sanofi Quality standards and HSE policy.
• Participate in continuous improvement of laboratory safety and quality compliance.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree (MSc) in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related sciences.
• PhD holders: Minimum 1 year of pharma/biotech industry experience in analytical development and/or quality control.
• MSc holders: Minimum 4 years of pharma/biotech industry experience in analytical development and/or quality control.
• Expertise and extensive hands-on experience in the analyses and characterization of proteins, oligonucleotides, lipids and their degradants using LC-MS.
• Ability to perform complex method development and propose appropriate method improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience and comprehensive knowledge in other biochemical and biophysical techniques, including but not limited to LC (RP, IEX, SEC, HILIC), CGE, cIEF, spectroscopy, particle analysis, etc.
• Knowledge of nucleic acid/oligonucleotides chemistry and standard analytical methods of these molecules.
• Experience working with highly technical projects with reactivity.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work independently and collaborate in a team; enthusiastic and self-motivated.
• Agility to respond to urgent requests, and initiative to lead new tasks.
• Ability to work full time onsite in an analytical lab environment.

Benefits

• Supportive, future-focused team with opportunities for career growth through promotions or lateral moves, domestically or internationally.
• Thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package recognizing your contribution and amplifying your impact.
• Comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits, including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs, and at least 14 weeks of gender-neutral parental leave.
• Pioneering biopharma environment engaging patients early in drug development to reflect real-world needs.
• Opportunity to improve lives globally by making drug development quicker and more effective.
• Work at the forefront of drug discovery, leveraging cutting-edge AI, data, and digital platforms.