R&D
Where your curiosity drives the
miracles of
science
Scientist, Rare Metabolic and Neurological Diseases
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: Scientist, Rare Metabolic and Neurological Diseases
Location: Cambridge, MA
About the Job
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Scientist with deep expertise in rare metabolic, and neurological diseases. The ideal candidate will have a deep expertise in part of our target disease areas, including neurodevelopmental diseases (Fragile X, Dravet, Angelman, SYNGAP1, Rett, among others), primary mitochondrial diseases, and leukodystrophies. They will bring robust hands-on experience in in vivo and in vitro target identification and validation strategies, disease modeling, combined with a strong foundation in disease biology and pathophysiology. This role will spearhead efforts to discover and validate novel therapeutic targets and strategies, leveraging both experimental and analytical approaches. They will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to translate biological insights into therapeutic programs, contributing to the strategic expansion of our portfolio.
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:
Support pipeline programs and new program initiation by applying expertise in disease mechanisms, translational biology, and model development.
Design and conduct mechanism-of-action, PK/PD, and proof-of-concept studies using animal models and in vitro assays.
Contribute to interdisciplinary research programs across internal teams and external partnerships, with opportunities to grow into functional lead and project lead roles.
Prepare high-quality analyses, documentation, and presentations to support project milestones, publications, patent filings, and regulatory submissions (IND/CTA).
Present findings and progress in internal meetings and external scientific venues.
About You
Education & Experience
PhD in a biological field; entry-level is acceptable with demonstrated in vivo experience working with rodents. Preferred fields include Neuroscience, Metabolic disease, mitochondrial biology, and/or RNA biology.
Master’s degree in biological field, with 3+ years of experience in an academic or biopharmaceutical setting, OR Bachelor’s degree in a biological field and 6+ years of research experience in an academic or biopharmaceutical setting.
Extensive hands-on experience working with rodents, including performing in vivo studies for pharmacology, disease modeling, or therapeutics development; proficiency in dosing techniques (IV, IP, PO) and dissections is required. Experience with behavioral assessments, stereotaxic surgeries, and CSF extraction is desirable.
Technical Skills
Understanding of disease biology in metabolic, mitochondrial, OR neurodevelopmental disorders.
Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality scientific documentation, including experimental protocols, SOPs, technical reports, presentations, and animal use protocols in compliance with IACUC requirements.
Proven track record of meaningful contributions to research programs, evidenced by scientific publications and/or presentations.
Familiarity with target discovery, preclinical validation, and early drug development workflows.
Proficiency with iPSC-derived mono- and co-cultures is desirable.
Skills and Competencies
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional, matrixed teams.
Highly adaptable, with strong multitasking skills and ability to manage shifting priorities and timelines.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.
Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to scientific rigor.
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.
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
Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, expertise, location, and others. Employees may be eligible to participate in company employee benefit programs.
Find out more about this location
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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