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Research and Development

R&D
Where your curiosity drives the
miracles of
science

Principal Scientist / Computational Chemist - all genders (limited contract until 31.08.2027)

Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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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.

About the job

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.

As Computational chemist within our Computer-Aided Drug design team, you’ll drive the design of novel drug molecules by applying state-of-the-art AI and computational methods within multidisciplinary teams across therapeutic areas.  Ready to get started?

Main responsibilities:

Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) enables the systematic analysis of large-scale data to build predictive models that accelerate the drug discovery process. In this role, the CADD expert will leverage deep expertise and passion to impact drug discovery projects — from virtual screening to  the design of novel molecules in lead optimization. The CADD expert will work within interdisciplinary teams to develop, validate, and apply cutting-edge CADD & AI technologies, collaborating closely with medicinal chemists, computational chemists, and biologists across all therapeutic areas. This is a dynamic, collaborative position requiring the ability to manage and contribute to multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Leverage expertise in data science and machine learning to systematically analyze large-scale datasets for drug design applications
  • Apply broad expertise in computer-aided drug discovery  for the identification and optimization of novel therapeutic molecules
  • Contribute actively to multidisciplinary drug discovery project teams across therapeutic areas
  • Engage as an active member of the broader computational and medicinal chemistry community
  • Communicate results clearly and effectively to experts across diverse scientific disciplines
  • Present methodologies and analytical findings to both scientific peers and non-specialist stakeholder

About you

  • A PhD with a track record of productivity in the areas of computational chemistry, artificial intelligence, machine learning, medicinal chemistry or a relevant scientific discipline
  • ≥3 years of professional experience in in-silico drug discovery
  • Expert knowledge in computational drug design
  • Expertise in computational method development and implementation
  • Hands-on experience in systematic analysis of big data and development of predictive models for drug discovery
  • Sound background in medicinal chemistry
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills and team player/collaborative spirit
  • Leadership skills for internal projects and supervision of external collaborations.
  • Strong passion for science, and ability to work well within interdisciplinary teams

Why join us?

  • 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. 
  • Work at the forefront of drug discovery, harnessing cutting-edge AI, data, and digital platforms to push the boundaries of science. 
  • Help improve the lives of millions of people globally by making drug development quicker and more effective. 
  • Enjoy opportunities to collaborate beyond your area of expertise, working with diverse teams across science, clinical, and digital fields to spark new ideas and drive breakthroughs. 

#LI-Onsite

#ComputerAidedDrugDesign

#DrugDiscovery

#MachineLearning

#Sanofi

#SanofiCareers

#PursueProgress

#DiscoverExtraordinary

#IgnitingPotential

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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.

Apply now
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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.

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"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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Discover how we're reshaping the future of medicine through immunoscience – unlocking bold, cross-disease breakthroughs that were unimaginable just a decade ago.

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