AI-Enabled iPSC Disease Modeling & Functional Genomics

Job title: AI-Enabled iPSC Disease Modeling & Functional Genomics

• Location: Cambridge, MA

About the Job

Sanofi is building a next-generation neuroscience research engine focused on defining the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease — Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis — through high-resolution interrogation of human models and tissue. We are seeking a Senior Research Associate II to develop and deploy human iPSC-derived cellular models and CRISPR-based functional genomics to interrogate TDP-43 biology and other priority pathways, and to deliver fit-for-purpose assays that drive internal discovery programs.

This role sits at the experimental engine of the group. The successful candidate will design, generate, and characterize isogenic iPSC lines and iPSC-derived glial and neuronal cultures; build robust phenotypic assays suitable for hit-finding and target validation; and contribute to pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens that uncover genetic modifiers of disease-relevant phenotypes. The role partners closely with computational biologists, neuropathologists, and program teams to translate human cellular insights into actionable drug discovery hypotheses.

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:

• Maintain, expand, and quality-control human iPSC lines; generate and validate isogenic disease-relevant lines using CRISPR/Cas9, base editing, and prime editing (knock-in, knock-out, and tagged reporter alleles).

• Differentiate iPSCs into disease-relevant CNS cell types — including microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocyte-lineage cells, and motor and cortical neurons — using established and emerging protocols; develop and optimize co-culture and tri-culture systems as needed.

• Build and validate fit-for-purpose cellular assays to interrogate TDP-43 biology and other priority mechanisms, including cryptic exon readouts (e.g., STMN2, UNC13A, HDGFL2), TDP-43 mislocalization and aggregation, cellular stress responses, and disease-relevant functional endpoints.

• Develop high-content imaging and plate-based assays (96- and 384-well formats) suitable for compound screening, target validation, and mechanism-of-action studies; partner with screening and ADME groups to qualify assays for internal use.

• Apply AI/machine learning–based image analysis approaches for cellular phenotyping and high-content readouts, in partnership with computational team members.

• Contribute to the design, execution, and analysis of pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens (CRISPRko, CRISPRi, CRISPRa) in iPSC-derived models, including library handling, lentiviral packaging, transduction, FACS- or imaging-based selection, and single nuclei RNA and ATAC seq sample preparation.

• Generate and maintain stable cell lines, lentiviral reporter systems, and inducible expression systems to support discovery programs.

• Maintain rigorous electronic lab notebook records, contribute to internal data reviews, present results at group and cross-functional meetings, and contribute to publications, posters, and patent filings.

• Develop, optimize, and document standard operating procedures; train junior team members on established assays and platforms.

• Coordinate with external academic collaborators and CRO partners on cell line generation, screen execution, and assay transfer.

About You

Education:

• BS with 4+ years OR MS with 2+ years, of relevant laboratory experience in stem cell biology, neuroscience, molecular biology, cell biology, or a related discipline.

Experience & Technical Skills:

• Demonstrated hands-on proficiency in human iPSC culture, banking, karyotype/STR/pluripotency QC, and directed differentiation into at least one CNS cell type (microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocyte-lineage cells, or neurons).

• Hands-on experience developing plate-based and/or high-content imaging assays, including assay miniaturization, Z’-factor and reproducibility assessment, and basic statistical interpretation of phenotypic data.

• Familiarity with high-content imaging platforms (e.g., Opera Phenix, ImageXpress, IN Cell, Yokogawa CV8000) and image analysis tools (Harmony, Columbus, CellProfiler, QuPath).

Soft Skills:

• Strong organizational skills, meticulous record-keeping, and the ability to manage multiple parallel workflows in a deadline-driven environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication; comfort presenting data to scientific audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with co-culture, tri-culture, or organoid systems modeling neuron–glia interactions.

• Hands-on experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in human iPSCs, including guide design, delivery (RNP, lentiviral, or transfection), clone isolation, and validation of edited lines.

• Direct experience executing pooled or arrayed CRISPR screens, including library handling, transduction, selection strategy, NGS sample preparation, and first-pass analysis using MAGeCK or comparable tools.

• Background in neurodegenerative disease research, particularly TDP-43 proteinopathies, ALS, FTD, or related disorders.

• Working knowledge of R or Python sufficient to perform QC, generate exploratory plots, and interface with computational collaborators.

• Familiarity with AI/machine learning–based image analysis for cellular phenotyping.

• Experience with CRISPR activation/interference systems.

• Prior pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience and exposure to GLP/GxP-adjacent documentation practices.

• Co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications.

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.