R&D
Where your curiosity drives the
miracles of
science
Principal Scientist, Muscle and Neuromuscular Research
At a glance
Bring your curiosity to a team where deep immunoscience meets cutting-edge innovation. Across oncology, rare diseases, neurology, and vaccines, you’ll work at the intersection of lab science and AI-powered discovery — all while collaborating across boundaries to turn breakthrough ideas into real-world impact. Whether you want to deepen your scientific expertise or grow as a leader, you’ll find the opportunity here.
Job Title: Principal Scientist, Muscle and Neuromuscular Research
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 motivated Principal Scientist to drive the expansion of our muscle and neuromuscular research pipeline through both internal discovery and external innovation. The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in muscle biology, ranging from normal muscle physiology to genetic cardiac, skeletal, and neuromuscular diseases
This individual will contribute by proposing new ideas and driving the advancement of pipeline programs. The candidate is expected to collaborate with academic and industry partners to identify novel targets, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic approaches. In parallel, they will build and maintain relationships with key opinion leaders to access disease models, patient samples, and translational resources that accelerate biomarker discovery and de-risk later-stage research programs.
The position offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment and to mentor or manage a team of junior scientists.
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:
Initiate and lead pipeline programs in a modality agnostic manner (biologics, oligonucleotides, small molecules, genomic medicines), including hands on work in the lab
Landscape novel mechanisms and target discovery in the external space and balance with internal efforts to drive strategic direction and decisions within neuromuscular pipeline
Engage and strengthen KoL network to set up collaborations for early and late-stage research bringing in colleagues across research as needed
Work closely with and across project teams to advance rare muscle programs through early engagement with Translational Medicine Unit to build/strengthen biomarker strategies
Maintain close relationship with counterparts in Clinical, Medical, and Business Development organizations to support life cycle management as well as expansion of neuromuscular pipeline
Contribute to strategic initiatives, prepare high quality presentations and communications for senior leadership and contribute to publications and regulatory filings as needed
About You
Basic Qualifications:
Earned Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in molecular biology, cellular biology, or related discipline PLUS at least 5 years research experience in biopharmaceutical or academic setting
Experience in muscle biology and neuromuscular research
Experience in translational research and drug development
Track record of significant contribution to research projects and scientific publications
Preferred Qualifications:
Program leadership experience in the industry setting
Strong understanding of emerging science, leading therapeutic approaches and competitive landscapes for neuromuscular disorders
Experience with broad range of cell-based and animal models of muscle/neuromuscular disorders and cardiomyopthathies and relevant functional readouts
Experience with computational biology and implementing a broad range of ‘omics approaches, including subsequent data mining/analysis
Experience managing studies at CROs
Familiarity with wide range of therapeutic modalities including biologics, small molecules, oligonucleotides, and/or genomic medicines
The candidate is expected to have a strong network of research and clinician colleagues to leverage for collaboration and insight
Experience drafting regulatory documents to support IND or CTA applications with agencies like the FDA and EMA
Skills and competencies:
Ability to weigh and integrate inputs and opinions from broad range of stakeholders with diverse backgrounds
Ability to capture and distill complex data, concepts, and information into clear, well-articulated messages to guide and drive decision-making
Ability to multi-task and adapt to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines
Excellent critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in a multi-disciplinary teams as well as to senior leadership
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build excellent working relationships
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.
Pursue Progress. Discover Extraordinary.
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.
Watch 'One day at Sanofi' and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives at sanofi.com
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Why work with us
- Expand your horizons. Grow through curiosity, with support to move, learn, and lead in a culture that champions mentorship, mobility, and bold development.
- Accelerate results with technology. Harness the power of AI and automation to push scientific boundaries and reimagine what's possible in drug discovery.
- Impact through inclusive innovation. Help deliver better science and fairer outcomes by driving inclusive research that reaches more people, in more meaningful ways.
- Turn patient needs into breakthrough science. Drive scientific breakthroughs that start with patient needs – and end in treatments that change lives.
Meet Nils Libert, Associate Scientist
Meet Nils Libert, an Associate Scientist in Belgium, where he plays a key role in advancing groundbreaking research. Learn how his work helps drive innovation, uncover new scientific possibilities, and contribute to life-changing treatments that impact patients around the world.
"At Sanofi, we are building an R&D engine powered by the best science, digital innovation, and a commitment to transforming the lives of patients around the world."
Houman Ashrafian
EVP & Head of R&D
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