Scientist Bacteriology Full-time

Scientist Bacteriology

Location: Swiftwater, PA

The Scientist for the Bacteriology team will design, develop, qualify, validate, and interpret functional serological assays, including serum bactericidal assays (SBA), to characterize immune responses for clinical studies across Sanofi's vaccine portfolio. In addition to deep immunoassay expertise, the candidate will provide mentorship and effectively collaborate with Bacteriology lab personnel to perform assigned tasks while ensuring compliance with regulatory agency standards. The candidate will serve as a key technical resource, providing expert representation within the Bacteriology group and on multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will remain current on functional immunological assays specific to bacterial pathogens and embrace the evaluation of new technologies and automation to advance our testing capabilities. This is a laboratory-based role requiring a high percentage of time conducting hands-on experimental work while driving innovation in assay development. To establish and implement complex functional immunoassays for bacterial pathogens to use as clinical endpoint testing, as well as integration of automation technologies to increase assay throughput and reproducibility. This role operates within a regulated laboratory environment where data quality and timeline adherence are critical for vaccine development decisions. Key challenges include maintaining assay consistency while implementing automation, managing multiple concurrent projects, and adapting established protocols to different bacterial pathogens.

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.

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:

• Design, develop, execute, and troubleshoot functional antibody/immunoassays.
• Qualify and validate functional serological assays, including serum bactericidal assays (SBA) using both Human Complement (HC) and Baby Rabbit Complement (BRC) in compliance with regulatory agency standards and GxP guidelines.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to junior scientists and laboratory staff, supporting their development in assay execution and troubleshooting without direct managerial responsibility.
• Operate within a regulated laboratory environment, ensuring data quality, timeline adherence, and compliance with SOPs and regulatory requirements.
• Support multiple concurrent vaccine development programs.
• Work with viruses, bacteria and potentially infectious samples from humans (BSL-2 or BSL-2+)
• Manage assigned projects independently, demonstrating strong critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment.
• Collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, demonstrating excellent communication skills (oral and written) and the ability to work as a highly motivated team player.

About you:

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Biological Sciences (e.g., Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field) with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; OR
• Master's degree in Biological Sciences (e.g., Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field) with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience. Relevant experience may include academic research, laboratory-based scientific research, co-op programs, internships, or industry experience; OR
• PhD in Biological Sciences (e.g., Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field) with a minimum of one years of relevant experience. Relevant experience may include academic research, fellowships, postdoctoral research, laboratory-based scientific research, or industry.

• Experience in design, execution and troubleshooting of functional immunoassays, preferably for bacterial pathogens.

Preferred Skills:

• Expertise in functional immunoassays, especially serum bactericidal assays (SBAs).
• Experience with Human Complement (HC) and Baby Rabbit Complement (BRC).
• Demonstrated expertise in bacterial culture methods and growth optimization techniques.
• Experience with quality systems and processes in a regulated environment.
• Expertise with LIMS systems, reagent characterization and qualification, laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Experience training or mentoring junior scientists is highly preferred.

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 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.