Research Associate - RNA Synthesis Platform Development

Biopharma Careers; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanofi is seeking a Research Associate in Waltham, MA to advance RNA synthesis platform development. You will drive platform innovation, optimize enzymatic processes, and manage automated systems to enable next-generation RNA therapeutics.

The role requires a BS in Biochemistry or related field and 1+ year of lab experience, with fluency in English and strong data analysis skills. Join a fast-paced, innovative team in a leading biopharma environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 1+ years of hands-on experience in an industrial laboratory setting.
• Fluency in English (written and verbal).

Responsibilities

• Drive Platform Innovation: Support program development with cutting-edge RNA synthesis technologies.
• Technology Development: Evaluate and develop new technologies to improve platform processes.
• Automated Systems Management: Operate Hamilton Vantage systems and Venus software for liquid handling.
• Enzymatic Process Optimization: Design and execute IVT reactions and study enzyme kinetics.
• Quality Control & Analysis: Purify and characterize nucleic acids using advanced analytical techniques.
• Data‑Driven Decision Making: Design experiments and analyze data to draw conclusions.

Skills

Biochemistry

RNA Biochemistry

Automation

Analytical Methods

Enzyme Kinetics

Education

BS in Biochemistry

Tools

Hamilton Vantage

Venus software

Job description

Job title: Research Associate - RNA Synthesis Platform Development

Location: Waltham, MA

About the Job

Are you passionate about advancing RNA therapeutics and cutting-edge biotechnology? We're seeking a talented Research Associate - RNA Synthesis Platform Development to join our dynamic team in Waltham, where innovation meets impact in the rapidly evolving world of mRNA technology.

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.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 1+ years of hands‑on experience in an industrial laboratory setting.

Additional Qualifications

Technical Expertise

• Biochemistry Foundation: Strong background in enzymatic reactions and catalysis, with particular emphasis on in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions and enzyme kinetics.
• RNA Biochemistry: Demonstrated expertise in RNA synthesis, protein and nucleic acid biochemistry, and enzymatic process development (preferably in mRNA manufacturing).
• Laboratory Automation: Experience with Hamilton Vantage automated systems and Venus software for liquid handling methods.
• Analytical Techniques: Proficiency in RNA purification and characterization assays including Ethanol precipitation, Spectrophotometry, Capillary electrophoresis, ELISA and qPCR methodologies.
• Scientific Rigor: Strong experimental design skills and quantitative data analysis capabilities.

Language & Soft Skills

• Fluency in English (written and verbal).
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
• Collaborative mindset with strong communication abilities.
• Adaptability in a fast‑paced, innovative environment.

Main responsibilities

As a Research Associate in our RNA synthesis group, you'll be at the forefront of developing next‑generation therapeutic platforms. Your work will directly contribute to breakthrough treatments that could transform patients' lives worldwide.

• Drive Platform Innovation: Support individual program development through the application of cutting‑edge platform synthesis technologies.
• Technology Development: Evaluate and develop new technologies for improving current platform processes, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in RNA synthesis.
• Automated Systems Management: Operate and optimize Hamilton Vantage automated systems and liquid handling platforms using Venus software.
• Enzymatic Process Optimization: Design and execute enzymatic reactions with a focus on in vitro transcription and enzyme kinetics
• Quality Control & Analysis: Perform comprehensive nucleic acid purification and characterization using advanced analytical techniques.
• Data‑Driven Decision Making: Design experiments and conduct quantitative data analysis to drive scientific conclusions.

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.

Pursue progress , discover extraordinary

Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability or gender identity.

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com !

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affimmative Action employers committed to a culturally inclusive and diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; natural or protective hairstyles; 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.

North America Applicants Only

The salary range for this position is:

$64.500,00 - $93.166,66

All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs. Additional benefits information can be found through the LINK.