Job title: Principal Scientist Crystallization & Particle Engineering

• Location: Montpellier, France

About the Job

As Principal Scientist within our R&D team in Montpellier, you'll lead our Crystallization & Particle Engineering Laboratory and drive innovative projects across Sanofi's small molecule portfolio — from early-stage discovery through commercialization. Ready to get started?

Are you a recognized expert in crystallization and particle engineering, passionate about scientific innovation and ready to have a direct impact on the development of life-changing small molecule medicines? This role is for you.

We are seeking a high-level scientist to lead our Crystallization & Particle Engineering Laboratory in Montpellier. As Scientific Leader, you will drive innovative projects across Sanofi's small molecule portfolio, from early-stage discovery through late-stage development and commercialization. You will develop cutting-edge crystallization and particle engineering processes, push technological boundaries, and become a recognized scientific reference within the global Sanofi community.

You will lead a team of 3-5 highly qualified scientists and engineers while remaining deeply involved in the laboratory's scientific activities. You will have real autonomy in defining scientific directions, and your expertise will directly influence development decisions at the global level.

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

Scientific Excellence & Innovation:

• Define and implement the laboratory's scientific strategy in crystallization and particle engineering for small molecule APIs and drug products across early-stage and late-stage development, with real autonomy over technological directions

• Drive the development and optimization of innovative crystallization processes (batch, continuous, reactive crystallization) for complex small molecules at all development stages

• Push technological boundaries by exploring new approaches and methodologies in particle engineering (spray drying, milling, granulation, hot-melt extrusion, etc.)

• Leverage modeling and simulation tools to predict crystallization behavior, optimize process parameters, and accelerate development timelines

• Actively contribute to laboratory experiments and scientific work

• Identify and evaluate polymorphs and crystalline forms, explore new crystallization strategies to optimize bioavailability and manufacturability

• Apply and innovate with QbD and PAT principles to optimize processes from discovery through commercialization

• Scout and integrate new technologies and scientific methodologies to maintain competitive advantage

• Develop creative solutions to complex scientific challenges in small molecule development

Technological Advances & Technology Transfer:

• Develop proprietary technologies and innovative processes that create competitive advantage for small molecule programs at all development stages

• Ensure seamless technology transfer of processes from early-stage development through late-stage optimization to large-scale production

• Collaborate with production teams to adapt and optimize processes at industrial scale

• Document and validate processes according to GMP and quality standards

Cross-functional Scientific Collaboration & Visibility:

• Collaborate closely with Formulation, Analytical Sciences, Chemical Development, and Manufacturing teams at local and global levels

• Provide scientific expertise to project meetings and strategic technical committees across early-stage and late-stage programs

• Interact with Sanofi's global scientific teams (Boston, Paris, Frankfurt, etc.) to share innovations and best practices

• Represent the laboratory at scientific conferences and contribute to publications and patents

• Deliver scientific deliverables on time and according to quality standards

Team Leadership:

• Lead and develop a team of 3-5 highly motivated scientists/engineers

• Conduct annual reviews and support scientific skill development

• Facilitate team meetings and foster scientific collaboration and collective innovation

• Participate in recruiting high-level scientific talent

• Manage laboratory budget and optimize resources

Compliance & Quality:

• Ensure compliance with Sanofi's EHS standards and GMP guidelines

• Oversee management and maintenance of state-of-the-art scientific equipment.

What we offer you

A fixed salary over 12 months, as well as profit-sharing and incentive bonuses based on Sanofi Group results.

Because taking care of our employees is also our mission: 31 days of paid leave + RTT days (reduced working time) according to your status, remote work up to 2 days/week, quality health insurance, public transportation coverage up to 80%; maternity leave (18 weeks) and child welcoming leave (14 weeks), Savings Plan & Retirement Plans with employer contributions, Works Council benefits, internal and international mobility opportunities, a customizable training program to support you throughout your career, and many other benefits to discover here.

About You

Education & Scientific Expertise:

• Education: PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field

• Solid and recognized expertise in crystallization, solid-state chemistry, or particle engineering for small molecules, developed through a career rich in scientific challenges in the pharmaceutical industry

• In-depth expertise in crystallization process development and polymorphism for small molecule APIs across early-stage and late-stage development

• Advanced mastery of particle engineering technologies (spray drying, milling, granulation, etc.)

• Confirmed experience in QbD, PAT, and process optimization for small molecule development

• Experience working on projects spanning from discovery through commercialization (desired)

• Scientific publications and/or patents in the field (desired)

• Experience developing proprietary technologies or innovative processes for small molecules (desired)

• Expertise in crystallization modeling and simulation tools (e.g., molecular dynamics, thermodynamic modeling, process simulation) (desired)

Key Scientific Competencies:

• Deep understanding of solid-state chemistry and crystallization phenomena

• Mastery of characterization techniques (XRPD, DSC, FTIR, microscopy, etc.)

• Recognized ability to solve complex scientific problems and innovate

• Creative mindset and ability to explore new scientific approaches

• Scientific rigor and attention to detail

• Ability to design and conduct robust and reproducible experiments

• Familiarity with modeling and computational approaches to predict and optimize crystallization processes (desired)

Leadership Competencies:

• Experience leading scientific teams with recognized ability to inspire and motivate

• Excellent scientific communication skills

• Collaborative mindset and ability to work in a matrix organization

• Languages: Fluency in English and in French are required.

Why Choose Us?

• Stimulating scientific environment at the forefront of small molecule pharmaceutical innovation, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge scientific equipment

• Real scientific autonomy in defining technological and strategic directions for the laboratory, with direct influence on global development decisions

• Innovation opportunities: development of proprietary technologies, exploration of new methodologies, and scientific freedom to push boundaries across all development stages

• International visibility: regular interactions with Sanofi's global scientific teams (Boston, Paris, Frankfurt, etc.), opportunities to present at scientific conferences, and contribute to publications and patents

• Direct impact on the development of innovative small molecule medicines, from discovery through commercialization

• Access to a network of global scientific experts to collaborate with and continuously develop your expertise

• Mobility opportunities nationally and internationally within Sanofi

• Diverse and inclusive work environment where scientific excellence and innovation are truly valued

• Location in Montpellier: exceptional quality of life, rich scientific ecosystem, and proximity to leading universities and research centers

• Flexible work arrangements (2 days/week remote) for optimal work-life balance.

PursueProgress. DiscoverExtraordinary.

Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science - where your growth can be just as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and do what's never-been-done-before. You'll help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions that reach the communities we serve. Ready to chase the miracles of science and improve people's lives? Let's Pursue Progress and Discover Extraordinary – together.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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