Principal Scientist, Muscle and Neuromuscular Research

Sanofi•Cambridge, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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 are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to drive the expansion of our muscle and neuromuscular research pipeline through both internal discovery and external innovation. The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in muscle biology, ranging from normal muscle physiology to genetic cardiac, skeletal, and neuromuscular diseases This individual will contribute by proposing new ideas and driving the advancement of pipeline programs. The candidate is expected to collaborate with academic and industry partners to identify novel targets, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic approaches. In parallel, they will build and maintain relationships with key opinion leaders to access disease models, patient samples, and translational resources that accelerate biomarker discovery and de-risk later-stage research programs. The position offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment and to mentor or manage a team of junior scientists.

Requirements

Earned Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in molecular biology, cellular biology, or related discipline PLUS at least 5 years research experience in biopharmaceutical or academic setting
Experience in muscle biology and neuromuscular research
Experience in translational research and drug development
Track record of significant contribution to research projects and scientific publications
Ability to weigh and integrate inputs and opinions from broad range of stakeholders with diverse backgrounds
Ability to capture and distill complex data, concepts, and information into clear, well-articulated messages to guide and drive decision-making
Ability to multi-task and adapt to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines
Excellent critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in a multi-disciplinary teams as well as to senior leadership
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build excellent working relationships

Nice To Haves

Program leadership experience in the industry setting
Strong understanding of emerging science, leading therapeutic approaches and competitive landscapes for neuromuscular disorders
Experience with broad range of cell-based and animal models of muscle/neuromuscular disorders and cardiomyopthathies and relevant functional readouts
Experience with computational biology and implementing a broad range of ‘omics approaches, including subsequent data mining/analysis
Experience managing studies at CROs
Familiarity with wide range of therapeutic modalities including biologics, small molecules, oligonucleotides, and/or genomic medicines
The candidate is expected to have a strong network of research and clinician colleagues to leverage for collaboration and insight
Experience drafting regulatory documents to support IND or CTA applications with agencies like the FDA and EMA

Responsibilities

Initiate and lead pipeline programs in a modality agnostic manner (biologics, oligonucleotides, small molecules, genomic medicines), including hands on work in the lab
Landscape novel mechanisms and target discovery in the external space and balance with internal efforts to drive strategic direction and decisions within neuromuscular pipeline
Engage and strengthen KoL network to set up collaborations for early and late-stage research bringing in colleagues across research as needed
Work closely with and across project teams to advance rare muscle programs through early engagement with Translational Medicine Unit to build/strengthen biomarker strategies
Maintain close relationship with counterparts in Clinical, Medical, and Business Development organizations to support life cycle management as well as expansion of neuromuscular pipeline
Contribute to strategic initiatives, prepare high quality presentations and communications for senior leadership and contribute to publications and regulatory filings as needed

Benefits

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.

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