Unit Head Analytical Sciences

Sanofi; Swiftwater (Monroe County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanofi in Swiftwater, PA seeks a Unit Head of Analytical Sciences to lead a ~30-person team across biochemistry, biophysics, immunology and molecular biology in vaccine development. You will guide method development, validation, transfer and testing, while shaping scientific strategy and collaborations.

Ideal candidates have extensive leadership experience in analytical sciences, a strong publication record, and a passion for advancing AI-powered research and global health impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in life sciences or related field.
• 6+ years (Bachelor) / 4+ years (Master) / 2+ years (PhD) in scientific research, lab operations, or related environment with method development/testing.
• Industry experience required; people management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of analytical scientists.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide performance management: goal setting, feedback, career development planning.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team.
• Ensure resources, training, and support for team to excel.
• Provide expert guidance on analytical method development, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Contribute to scientific knowledge via publications, presentations and professional networks.
• Stay current with emerging analytical technologies and industry best practices.
• Drive innovation in analytical testing approaches and methodologies.
• Serve as a technical expert and consultant for analytical challenges and investigations.
• Review and approve analytical data, reports, and technical documentation.
• Oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance.
• Manage laboratory budget, resources, and capital equipment planning.
• Ensure GMP and regulatory compliance where required.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Analytical sciences knowledge

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in life sciences or related field

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

DSC

SPR

PCR

Job description

Job title: Unit Head Analytical Sciences

• Location:Swiftwater PA

About the job:

The role of Unit Head in the Swiftwater Analytical Sciences platform of Analytical Sciences North America combines strategic people management with active scientific contribution, requiring a leader who can inspire teams while advancing our analytical capabilities and scientific knowledge base.

The Swiftwater Analytical Sciences platform is composed of ~30 scientists, supporting analytical method development, qualification, validation, transfer and testing in the areas of biochemistry, biophysics, immunology and molecular biology as applied to new vaccine candidates moving through pre-clinical and clinical phases of development. As a part of Vaccines R&D, this platform helps to advance disease prevention on a global scale by contributing to the protection of half a billion people every year, one of the largest global vaccination efforts in healthcare and helps to shape the future of immunization.

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:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of analytical scientists


• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement


• Conduct performance management, including goal setting, regular feedback, and career development planning


• Promote cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing across the organization


• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team


• Ensure team members have the resources, training, and support needed to excel


• Provide expert guidance on analytical method development, validation, and troubleshooting


• Contribute to scientific knowledge through publications, presentations, and participation in professional networks


• Stay current with emerging analytical technologies and industry best practices


• Drive innovation in analytical testing approaches and methodologies


• Serve as a technical expert and consultant for analytical challenges and investigations


• Review and approve analytical data, reports, and technical documentation


• Oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance


• Manage laboratory budget, resources, and capital equipment planning


• Ensure adherence to GMP and relevant regulatory requirements, where required


• Implement and maintain quality systems, SOPs, and safety protocols


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational metrics


• Collaborate with quality assurance and regulatory affairs teams


• Develop and execute the platform's strategic vision aligned with organizational goals


• Identify opportunities for capability expansion and technology investments


• Build partnerships with internal stakeholders and external collaborators


• Contribute to business development and project planning activities

About you:

Basic Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in life sciences, chemistry, or a related scientific discipline (e.g., analytical chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, molecular biology, biophysics, immunology or related)

Experience:

• 6 years (Bachelor's holders), 4 years (Master's holders) or 2 years (PhD holders) experience in scientific research, laboratory operations, or related laboratory environment, including analytical method development and testing experience.


• Industry experience is required; academic/research experience will be considered as a complement but not as a standalone qualification.


• Experience in people management and team development

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with analytical techniques (e.g., biochemical methods such as HPLC, LC-MS, spectroscopy; biophysical methods such as DLS and DSC; immunological methods such as SPR and BLI; molecular methods such as sequencing and PCR)


• Experience managing laboratory budgets and resources


• Broad cross-technology expertise across multiple disciplines (biochemistry, biophysics, immunology, and/or molecular biology)

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.

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.