Postdoctoral fellow in structural biology and NMR spectroscopy

Sanofi; France; Hybrid; EUR 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanofi in France invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Biophysics & BioNMR / BioAnalytics team to study how post-translational modifications in antibody CDRs affect antigen binding and stability. The project combines experimental structural biology (2D/3D-NMR, cryo-EM, crystallography, HDX-MS) with computational modelling to map PTM effects on Fab structure and recognition.

You will produce and analyze samples with varying modification levels, perform NMR analyses on mAb/Fab

Qualifications

• PhD in NMR spectroscopy, structural biology, biophysics or related field.
• Hands-on protein production with isotopic labelling (U-13C, 15N, 2H) and methyl labelling.
• Experience with NMR assignment of high molecular weight proteins.

Responsibilities

• Produce and characterize samples with different levels of modification by mass spectrometry, SEC, DSC and binding assays.
• Perform 2D-NMR analysis on modified and unmodified mAb/Fab samples to map chemical shift perturbations.
• Produce samples via cell-free expression.
• Structurally characterize Fab-antigen interaction by NMR, cryo-EM, crystallography and HDX-MS data.
• Design, produce and evaluate mutated Fab constructs to determine the role of residues neighboring the PTMs.
• Present findings to cross-functional teams and contribute to scientific publications.

Skills

Isotopic labelling

NMR spectroscopy

Analytical mindset

Collaboration

Education

PhD in NMR spectroscopy or related field

Tools

Mass spectrometry

SEC

DSC

NMR analysis

Cryo-EM

Crystallography

HDX-MS

Cell-free expression

Job description

*About the job*As a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Biophysics & BioNMR / BioAnalytics team, you will investigate how Post Translational Modifications (PTMs) in antibody CDRs affects antigen binding and molecular stability.This project aims to develop a comprehensive methodology combining experimental structural biology (2D/3D-NMR, cryo-EM, crystallography, HDX-MS) with computational modelling to elucidate how PTMs in CDR modulate Fab structure and antigen recognition.Your work will directly support molecule optimization and manufacturing process development.**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:*** Produce and characterize samples with different levels of modification by mass spectrometry, SEC, DSC and binding assays.* Perform 2D-NMR analysis on modified and unmodified mAb/Fab samples to map chemical shift perturbations and identify structural signatures induced by PTMs.* Produce samples via cell-free expression.* Structurally characterize the Fab-antigen interaction by NMR, cryo-EM, crystallography and HDX-MS data, to provide an integrated view of how PTMs modulate binding and stability.* Design, produce and evaluate mutated Fab constructs to determine the role of residues neighboring the PTMs binding affinity and molecular stability.* Present findings to cross-functional teams and contribute to scientific publications.*About you** **Education:** PhD in NMR spectroscopy, structural biology, biophysics or a related field* **Experience & technical skills:** Hands-on expertise in protein production including U-13C, 15N and 2H isotope labelling and specific methyl labelling; proven experience in NMR assignment of high molecular weight proteins (backbone and methyl groups)* **Languages:** Fluent English, intermediate level of French* **Soft skills:** Strong analytical mindset, curiosity, autonomy, and ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team*Why choose us?** Learn from inspiring mentors and collaborative teams while contributing to real projects that shape the future of healthcare.* Launch your career with a company that invests in you — and empowers you to reimagine what’s possible.* Enjoy opportunities to collaborate beyond your area of expertise, working with diverse teams across science to spark new ideas and drive breakthroughs.* Work at the forefront of drug discovery, harnessing cutting-edge AI, data, and digital platforms to push the boundaries of science.* Join a workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core, with Employee Resource Groups and leadership programs that celebrate every voice.**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.