Senior Associate Scientist Purification Process Development

Sanofi EU; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanofi is seeking a Senior Research Associate – Downstream Process Development in Waltham, MA to join the GMU purification team developing AAV and non-viral vector purification processes. You will lead experiments, optimize chromatography and filtration steps, and drive scale-up activities for high-quality gene therapy programs.

The role requires hands-on lab work, data analysis, and collaboration with CDMOs and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biological/Life Sciences, or related field.
• Experience in purification technologies and operations.
• Knowledge of chromatography principles and separation methods.
• Strong technical report writing and data analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct purification experiments for viral vectors and evaluate new technologies.
• Lead design of purification studies and optimize conditions.
• Perform data analyses and report findings.
• Support tech transfer and scale-up activities with CDMOs as needed.
• Collaborate across teams and publish findings when appropriate.

Skills

Laboratory skills

GLP

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Biological Sciences

Tools

AKTA

Tangential flow filtration

HPLC

SDS-PAGE

ELISA

Job description

Job Title: Senior Associate Associate - Purification Process Development

• Location: Waltham, MA

About the Job:

The Genomic Medicine Unit (GMU) in Sanofi is responsible for the design and optimization of viral vector manufacturing processes and platforms. This organization encompasses vector and cell line engineering, upstream and downstream process development, analytics, and clinical manufacturing support.

The GMU purification process development group is responsible for the development of AAV and non-viral vector processes and for supporting viral vector purification from next-generation production platforms to enable high-dose gene therapy programs. The Senior Research Associate (SRA) – Downstream Process Development role requires leadership both inside and outside the laboratory and will rely on industry expertise and the exploration of novel technologies in order to build robust and efficient purification processes consistent with patient safety standards.

We are looking for a candidate with experience in AAV and/or non-viral purification development, scale-up and manufacturing, and technology transfer.

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.

Main Responsibilities:

• Support to develop, design and conduct viral vector purification experiments and evaluate new technologies to increase product yield and process understanding

• Develop, maintain and demonstrate advanced knowledge of principals and techniques in column chromatography and other areas of downstream purification

• Maintain industry knowledge and awareness of new and relevant technologies, and be willing to publish findings and to speak both internally and externally as industry leaders

• Lead / support development of study design, optimization of purification process conditions, media screening and perform troubleshooting experiments and communicate findings with appropriate working groups

• Perform data analyses, contribute to technical reports and internal/external presentations

• Support scale-up activities to implement a manufacturing process based on applied DSP knowledge

• Communicate effectively with internal and external teams, e.g. CDMOs for tech transfer activities

• Contribute to manuscript and patent writing for external publications and patent applications, respectively

• Self-motivated and display sound technical judgement

• Build a culture of support and collaboration among colleagues

About you:

Basic Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's OR Master's degree in: Chemical Engineering, Biological/Life Sciences, or a related field

Experience:

• Bachelor's holders: 2+ years of experience in laboratory or related settings

• Master's holders: 6+ months of experience in laboratory or related settings

• Academic or research experience will be considered.

• Knowledge of purification technologies and operations such as: Depth filtration, AKTA, automated protein purification chromatography, tangential flow filtration, UF/DF, virus clearance and inactivation or filtration unit operations at various scales.

• Understanding of chromatography principles and separation methods

• Technical report writing skills

• Ability to learn and perform viral vector analyses using new tools and techniques

• Good laboratory practices (GLP), including detailed lab notebook documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience specifically with AAV and/or non-viral vector purification

• Knowledge of analytical tools: spectrophotometry, ELISA, HPLC, and SDS-PAGE

• Familiarity with Quality by Design principles and ability to apply Design of Experiments (DOE) to downstream development

• Understanding of virus clearance study design and execution

• Experience with large-scale manufacturing unit operations

• Experience with process technology transfers, gap analyses, and risk assessments

• Biosafety Level 2 lab experience

• Ability to work under minimal supervision

• Strong organizational and communication skills (verbal and written)

• Ability to build cross-functional relationships and represent the team in multi-functional meetings

• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset

• Ability to stand and work with lab bench equipment for extended periods

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.
• 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.

Sanofi US Services and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive 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.