Vaccines
Where
extraordinary minds
help protect half a billion people
Senior Associate Scientist
Who we are
Every day, 2.5 million Sanofi vaccine doses reach patients worldwide - powered by bold ideas, cutting-edge science, and passionate people like you. Across every stage — from discovery to delivery — Sanofians are shaping the future of vaccines. In global R&D hubs, exceptional offices, and state-of-the-art manufacturing sites, we’re reimagining what’s possible. But science alone isn’t enough — it’s the extraordinary minds behind it that truly make the difference.
Job Title: Senior Associate Scientist- Vaccine
Location: Waltham, MA
About the Job:
We are seeking a highly motivated and scientifically rigorous individual to join the Plasmid Production Pilot team. You will focus on execution and scale-up of a robust pDNA production process focusing on bacterial cell lysis, supercoiled plasmid DNA linearization, and purification for preclinical linearized plasmid DNA production, with the ultimate goal of transferring at scale methods to either the internal or external manufacturing team for mRNA drug substance with applications towards vaccine development.
Join the team protecting half a billion lives every year with next-gen science, mRNA innovation, and AI-driven breakthroughs. In Vaccines, you’ll help advance prevention on a global scale - and shape the future of immunization.
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:
Evaluate, and implement purification technology and optimize existing techniques and workflows.
Support the execution and optimization of plasmid DNA purification, problem solving.
Design and execute decision-quality research; prepare/draft SOPs, technical reports, batch record, and presentations to management and other stakeholders.
Work independently, pro-actively, and be an impactful contributor to project teams. Function in highly collaborative cross functional teams.
Execute ~20 batches per year.
This will be primarily a lab-based position.
About You:
Basic Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor's OR Master's degree in Biotechnology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related scientific field
Experience:
Bachelor's degree holders: Minimum 3+ years of relevant industry experience in pharma, biotech, or laboratory settings
Master's degree holders: Minimum 1+ year of relevant industry experience in pharma, biotech, or laboratory settings
Hands-on experience with HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) operations
Wet lab experience, particularly with fermentation or purification processes (plasmid DNA, protein, or similar)
Preferred Qualifications:
Hands-on experience in small- and large-scale plasmid DNA extraction and purification methodologies including alkali lysis, chromatography separation (anion exchange, hydrophobic interaction) and buffer exchange methods
Familiar with Cytiva AKTA Pilot and Repligen TFF system (K2Ri and KMPi)
Familiar with Sartorius PATfix system
Prepare buffers for purification process
Familiar with equipment setup, process troubleshooting and maintenance and experience in GLP environment is advantageous
Works collaboratively within group for improved operational excellence as well as within interdisciplinary teams
Desire to work in a team-first, fast-paced environment, learn new technologies and skills, and to efficiently solve problems
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Attention to detail & meticulous record keeping
Demonstrate continuous growth in depth and breadth of personal scientific knowledge and understanding of strategic goals of group, team, and company
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.
Work at the forefront of AI-driven research, smart manufacturing, and groundbreaking mRNA platforms that are redefining the future of immunology.
Help protect half a billion people every year, contributing to one of the largest global vaccination efforts in healthcare.
Develop your career with access to mentoring, international mobility programs, and opportunities to grow across four continents.
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.
Final compensation will be determined based on demonstrated experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs.
Find out more about this location
Why work with us
- We’re problem-solvers and pioneers. United by the belief that everyone deserves a healthier future. We create best-in-class vaccines that prevent disease and protect lives.
- Innovation drives us. From AI and mRNA to next-gen science, we push the boundaries to deliver first- and best-in-class vaccines for infectious diseases worldwide.
- Growth happens here. With bold investments in R&D and world-class facilities, Sanofians across the entire vaccine lifecycle are shaping the future of global health.
- We do what’s right. Sustainability and DE&I drive our positive global impact—because the diverse communities Sanofians represent are the patients we serve.
What does it take to protect the world from disease?
For over a century, we’ve been pioneering breakthroughs that help protect millions from diseases like polio, influenza, RSV, and more. And we’re not stopping there.
Powered by groundbreaking technologies - mRNA platforms, recombinant proteins, and AI-driven insights - we’re pushing the boundaries of science.
"I’m immensely proud of the pace of our innovation – the urgency by which our teams are working to transform the practice of medicine."
Thomas Triomphe
Executive Vice President, Vaccines
Discover more
Sanofi’s mRNA Center of Excellence
Step into the future of healthcare with Sanofi’s mRNA Center of Excellence. Discover how a global team is transforming medicine with cutting-edge mRNA technology – and explore the skills, inspirations, and breakthroughs driving this revolution. Ready to shape the future?
About Sanofi Vaccines
Explore our commitment to protecting global health through the power of vaccines. We’re building healthier communities with innovative solutions that save millions of lives each year. Dive into the future of vaccines, discover the diseases we’re tackling, and learn why vaccination is critical at every stage of life.
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