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Research and Development

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Senior Principal Scientist I, Biologics Discovery

Nanjing, China
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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.

Position Summary

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Principal Scientist with broad biologics knowledge and technical leadership expertise to drive global R&D projects through internal–CRO hybrid models. In this role, you will be a subject-matter expert for biologics discovery, engineering, and relevant technology platforms, validating new approaches and ensuring accelerated program delivery in areas such as oncology, immunology, ophthalmology, or CNS. Success requires managing multidisciplinary teams and external resources, applying advanced scientific and project skills to validate and co-lead biologics programs from concept to key milestones.

Key Responsibilities

1. Global Program Leadership & Workflow Acceleration

• Serve as scientific lead or co-lead on critical biologics projects, partnering with internal teams and CROs to ensure timely and efficient execution.

• Oversee hybrid workflows (internal + external) that integrate novel biologics technologies into therapeutic pipelines.

2. Platform Validation & Subject-Matter Expertise

• Provide expert technical input on various biologics modalities (antibody, RNA therapeutics, etc.).

• Validate relevant technology platforms to address unmet needs, guiding teams on their applicability and proper deployment within global programs.

3. CRO Management & Collaboration

• Coordinate external CRO partnerships—defining project scopes, deliverables, and timelines—to maximize efficiency and quality.

• Ensure smooth communication, alignment of objectives, and proactive issue resolution between internal stakeholders and external resources.

4. Mentorship & Innovation

• Mentor junior scientists, fostering technical excellence, knowledge-sharing, and continuous improvement.

• Encourage the adoption of innovative approaches (e.g., AI-driven screening, automated workflows) that streamline biologics R&D.

Qualifications

Educational Background & Experience

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related discipline; extensive industrial or advanced research experience strongly preferred.

• 8+ years of hands-on experience in biologics R&D (e.g., multi-specific antibodies, ADC design, siRNA/mRNA, or CAR-T platforms).

• Demonstrated success managing complex projects or programs, ideally involving CRO partnerships in a global context.

Technical & Scientific Expertise

• Deep knowledge of at least one key biologics modality, plus familiarity with complementary technologies.

• Proven ability to evaluate, validate, and implement new platforms or methodologies—balancing scientific rigor with practical timelines.

• Track record of scientific contributions (publications, patents, internal milestones) showcasing problem-solving in advanced biologics.

Program & Collaboration Skills

• Skilled in leading/co-leading cross-functional teams, aligning internal capabilities with CRO deliverables.

• Strong organizational and project management abilities, ensuring milestones are met and resources are efficiently deployed.

• Clear communicator who can translate technical discussions into actionable plans for diverse stakeholders (scientists, project managers, leadership).

Innovation & Mentorship

• Adept at driving novel solutions (e.g., AI-based screening, automation) to accelerate biologics research.

• Committed to developing talent, sharing expertise, and creating a culture of continuous innovation and collaboration.

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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

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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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EVP & Head of R&D

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