Senior Associate Scientist, Immunology Full-time NEW

Senior Associate Scientist, Immunology

Location: Waltham, MA

About the job:

The Senior Associate Scientist reports directly to the Early-Stage Immunology Laboratory Director (ESI), Global Immunology (GI), Sanofi Vaccines R&D. This role participates in the development and execution of experiments in immunology projects to evaluate the potential of novel and early-stage vaccine candidates, within the given research areas and defined protocols.

The Senior Associate Scientist may contribute to projects based in Marcy L'Etoile (France), Waltham or Orlando (US), while being affiliated with a specific site. The Senior Associate Scientist may be required to work on multiple projects.

Join the team protecting half a billion lives every year with next-gen science, mRNA innovation, and AI-driven breakthroughs. In Vaccines, you'll help advance prevention on a global scale – and shape the future of immunization.

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:

Contribute to the progress of immunology projects

• Design and perform experimental assays in compliance with study protocols and Standard Operating Procedures to achieve the goals outlined in the experimental design plan under the guidance of Team Members and ESI Subject Matter Experts
• Participate in the quality check, data analysis, interpretation and documentation of the experimental assays
• Synthesize and present concise scientific and data-based presentations with appropriate conclusions

Specifically:

• Develop assays and perform testing of the samples from non-clinical studies in functional semi-automated and automated assays
• Cell-based microneutralization assays (luminescent/fluorescent reporter virus-based)
• Ligand binding assays
• Hemagglutination Inhibition Assay (HAI)
• Multiplex assays (Luminex, MSD)
• Perform mammalian cell culture to support cell-based assays testing as required
• Coordinate in vivo studies, prepare formulations for administration into animals and complete required Benchling registrations
• Support development and execution of automation of the serological assays (ELISA and microneutralization) using Hamilton liquid handler platform (or alike)
• Maintain laboratory equipment upkeep as assigned
• Document experiments per required templates, procedures and timelines in Benchling
• Manage and maintain critical sample inventories for animal study formulations, ensuring accurate tracking and timely availability throughout the study lifecycle.
• Explore and help with implementation of new technologies to the GI function to enable better support to the ongoing projects with the state-of the art technological approaches.
• Participate in quality documentation and technical reports, contribute to preparation of SOPs, abstracts and manuscripts as appropriate.
• Present own work both internally at project team meetings and project reviews
• Actively engage in internal scientific initiatives including R&D Days, Science Exchange, and scientific seminars to stay at the forefront of innovation and emerging developments

Monitor and report on activities within their scope

• Proactively alert the Immunology project team to any issues or delays and propose a mitigation plan to minimize impact
• Conduct the reporting of activities under their accountability and contribute to site, project team or sub team meetings to ensure effective communication and coordination within the site and the projects
• Contribute to the writing of assigned key documents (incl. protocols, assay reports, monthly activity reports)

Master the execution of multiple activities and develop new experiments

• Demonstrate technical proficiency in a broad array of experimental assays and technologies
• Analyze relevant literature provided by Team Members and ESI Subject Matter Experts to become knowledgeable on specific projects and maintain their technical expertise
• Develop new protocols and/or methodologies to solve complex problems and create innovative assays under the guidance of ESI Subject Matter Experts
• Actively participate in Technology communities, contributing to knowledge sharing

Participate in laboratory daily management

• Contribute to laboratory daily management tasks (incl. ordering reagents and consumables, handling shipments)
• Support training and technical mentoring, providing guidance to more junior personnel regarding protocol development and execution
• Adhere to HSES policies for personal safety and handling of reagents/biologics/pathogens and stay compliant in applicable trainings
• Identify and help to improve best practices in HSES operations

Major challenges

• As the Senior Associate Scientist executes experimental assays, this role demands a high level of rigor and analytical skills, guaranteeing high-quality and reliable results by rigorously following established methodologies and securing the integrity of experiments.
• The Senior Associate Scientist must also possess the ability to synthesize information and see the broader context when preparing and presenting conclusions.
• Effective collaboration with the Immunology project team and clear communication are essential for driving project success and fostering a productive research environment.

About you:

Basic Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's OR Master's degree in Immunology, Microbiology, Biology, or a related life sciences/scientific discipline

Experience:

• Bachelor's degree holders: 3+ years of laboratory or related environment experience
• Master's degree holders: 1+ year of laboratory or related environment experience
• Academic and research experience will be considered

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with serum-based immunological assays for viral pathogens (microneutralization, ELISA, multiplex assays such as Luminex and MSD)
• Experience with semi-automated microneutralization assays
• Familiarity with automation platforms (e.g., Hamilton liquid handler)
• Familiarity or hands-on experience with COVID-related assays or projects (strong plus)
• Mammalian cell culture experience
• Sample inventory management
• Practical experience with use of electronic notebooks (Benchling)
• Ability to coordinate animal studies
• Knowledge of data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Prism, SoftMaxPro)
• Familiarity with multimode readers such as Cytation
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Time management and ability to handle multiple priorities
• Strong team spirit and collaborative mindset
• Clear verbal and written communication skills
• Adaptability and stress management

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.
• Work at the forefront of AI-driven research, smart manufacturing, and groundbreaking mRNA platforms that are redefining the future of immunology.
• Help protect half a billion people every year, contributing to one of the largest global vaccination efforts in healthcare.
• Develop your career with access to mentoring, international mobility programs, and opportunities to grow across four continents.

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.