Principal Scientist and Lab Head, Neuroprotection and Resilience Research Cluster

Job title: Principal Scientist and Lab Head, Neuroprotection and Resilience Research Cluster

Location: Cambridge, MA

About the job

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. 

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated scientist to lead a team focused on developing novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. In this role, you will drive target identification efforts, design and implement in vitro and in vivo screening strategies, and lead multidisciplinary global project teams to advance candidate molecules into clinical development. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and ALS, along with extensive experience using disease models and a strong record of impactful, high-profile scientific publications. Experience working within matrixed, cross-functional teams and familiarity with diverse therapeutic modalities are highly desirable.

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:

• Lead drug development programs by managing timelines, defining key scientific questions, and ensuring team focus.

• Establish in vitro and in vivo models for molecule testing, biomarker discovery, and exploratory biology.

• Interrogate human datasets to identify novel pathways and targets and collaborate with platform teams to apply cutting-edge genetic and genomic approaches for target credentialing.

• Contribute to programs using diverse therapeutic modalities, with emphasis on large molecules and gene knockdown/splicing technologies (e.g., siRNA and ASOs).

• Mentor team members, provide strategic and day‑to‑day guidance, and support laboratory execution.

• Perform laboratory experiments in partnership with team members.

• Implement AI into screening, experimental, and analysis workflows to accelerate discovery work.

• Collaborate effectively within matrixed, dynamic, and cross‑functional teams across the Neurology therapeutic area, platform groups, and external partners.

• Build and maintain a robust external scientific network to support portfolio advancement, collaborations, licensing opportunities, and business development activities.

• Compile, present, and clearly communicate scientific progress to internal stakeholders, leadership, and external audiences.

• Publish scientific findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.

About You

Qualifications, Competencies & Characteristics:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience or a related field.

• A minimum of 3 years of drug development experience in academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical settings.

• Demonstrated scientific creativity and productivity, evidenced by impactful publications in neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer’s, ALS, and/or related fields.

• Deep expertise in cell‑based and animal‑based disease models.

• Strong understanding of in vivo pharmacology in rodents and/or non‑human primates.

• Experience managing direct reports.

• Ability to effectively define experimental goals and communicate scientific progress with colleagues and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

• Proficiency with big‑data analytical methods, including experience with R, Python, AI‑based approaches, or related tools.

• Excellent analytical, presentation, and scientific writing skills.

• Experience developing in vitro screening assays and familiarity with cell‑culture automation is a plus.

• Experience measuring neuronal activity in vitro (e.g., calcium imaging or MEA platforms) is a plus.

• Prior drug development experience with large molecules or oligonucleotide therapeutics is a plus.

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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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.