Job title:Scientist (Organic Chemist), Synthetic Enabling Technologies, Process Chemistry

• ​Location:Montpellier, France

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About the job

We are seeking a talented and motivated Scientist Organic Chemist to join our Synthetic Enabling Technologies team within the Process Chemistry organization. This Scientist role is hands-on and laboratory-focused, requiring deep expertise in organic and process chemistry, along with strong skills in rapid reaction optimization to enable efficient scale-up from lab bench to chemical plant.

The ideal candidate will have strong interest in laboratory automation and will play a key role in developing and optimizing synthetic routes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). You will contribute to a variety of challenging and diverse projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance drug candidates from early development through clinical trials and into commercial manufacturing.

Your work will directly accelerate candidate selection and early clinical supply, making a tangible impact on the success of our pipeline. Ready to get started?

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:

• Plan and conduct organic synthesis experiments and chemical reactions in the laboratory
• Design, develop, and optimize synthetic routes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) using the right technology to allow smooth and rapid scale up to pilot-scale operations
• Perform chemical analyses and compound characterization using a range of online/offline analytical techniques
• Support technology transfer to manufacturing sites, fostering innovation and continuous improvement in synthetic methodologies
• Troubleshoot technical issues at the interface of chemistry and manufacturing, providing effective solutions
• Serve as the primary technical contact within the team, anticipating challenges and implementing proactive measures
• Oversee and ensure the proper maintenance and operational readiness of specific scientific equipment
• Communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively to multidisciplinary audiences and stakeholders
• Mentor junior scientists and offer technical leadership and guidance
• Document all experimental work and continuous improvement efforts in a digital lab notebook and compile findings into comprehensive technical reports

About you

Experience:

• Proven experience in synthetic organic chemistry and process development
• Demonstrated ability to translate laboratory processes to pilot/industrial scale
• Experienced in working on different types of chemical modalities ie small molecules, peptides, lipids

Ideally, experience with:

• Rapid extrapolation of chemical processes in early-phase process development for small molecules (pharma or biotech preferred)
• Automation platforms and digital tools for reaction monitoring and control

Soft and technical skills:

• Organic Chemistry & Synthesis: Designing and executing synthetic routes, understanding reaction mechanisms, Troubleshooting chemical processes
• Analytical Skills: Chemical analysis techniques, chromatography (HPLC, GC), spectroscopy (NMR, MS, IR), data interpretation
• Strong data management and analysis skills
• Technical Problem-Solving: Process troubleshooting, root cause analysis, risk assessment, Solution development
• Experience with digital lab notebooks, chemoinformatics, or reaction databases
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills; ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment

Education:

• Ph-D in organic chemistry or MSc in Organic Chemistry with 7+ years of experience, Process Chemistry, or related field, with a strong academic record and proven expertise in synthetic organic chemistry

Languages:

• English, French, both fluent

Why choose us?

• Drive innovation at the intersection of chemistry, digital science, and robotics
• Accelerate the path from discovery to clinic for life-changing medicines
• Collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and digital experts
• Access to state-of-the-art AI, automation, and robotics platforms
• 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

PursueProgress. Discover Extraordinary.