Principal Scientist, Advanced Ocular In Vitro Models

Job Title: Principal Scientist, Advanced Ocular In Vitro Models

Location: Cambridge, MA

About the Job

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.

Are you ready to shape the future of ophthalmology research? The race is on to accelerate drug discovery and development to deliver transformative treatments for patients—and your leadership can make a decisive impact.

Sanofi is seeking a Principal Scientist to provide scientific and strategic leadership in the development and application of advanced ocular in vitro models supporting our Ophthalmology portfolio. In this role, you will define and drive the vision for physiologically relevant disease models across retinal diseases, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other vision-related indications. You will apply deep domain expertise and independent scientific judgment to design, implement, and optimize next‑generation models that inform target discovery, translational biology, and therapeutic evaluation.

As a Principal Scientist, you will lead complex research programs and matrixed project teams, influence portfolio- and program‑level strategy, and serve as a key scientific thought leader across multiple disciplines. You will proactively identify innovation opportunities, set technical and scientific standards, and mentor scientists while fostering a culture of scientific rigor and collaboration.

This position offers a highly visible opportunity to shape Sanofi’s long‑term ophthalmology research strategy and contribute to the advancement of vision‑preserving therapies for patients worldwide.

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

Scientific Leadership & Discovery Programs

• Lead ophthalmology discovery research programs and project teams, applying advanced in vitro ocular models to address key scientific questions.

• Serve as a scientific leader and subject matter expert in ocular disease modeling across multiple indications.

• Apply human‑relevant in vitro systems to support disease biology, target discovery and nomination, and therapeutic assessment.

• Partner closely with cross-functional teams to shape experimental strategy and interpret complex datasets.

• Communicate clear scientific recommendations through data‑driven presentations to inform project decisions.

Platform Development, Automation & Scaling

• Design, build, and scale automated in vitro platforms to enable robust, reproducible drug discovery workflows.

• Lead implementation of robotics, automated liquid handling, high‑content imaging, and integrated data acquisition systems.

• Develop automated workflows for iPSC differentiation, 2D/3D culture, and multicellular model generation.

• Establish standards for quality control, reproducibility, and scalability across automated systems.

Advanced Ocular Model Development

• Lead development and optimization of iPSC‑derived ocular cell types, including RPE, RGCs, PRs, microglia, and endothelial cells.

• Advance complex model systems such as co‑cultures, organoids, microphysiological systems, and organ‑on‑chip platforms.

• Enhance translational relevance through incorporation of disease‑relevant stressors, immune and neuroinflammatory components.

Assay Development & Data Generation

• Develop and validate assays for retinal degeneration, retinal immunology, and neuroinflammation.

• Apply models to assess mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety across therapeutic modalities.

• Integrate molecular, imaging, and phenotypic readouts to generate high‑quality, decision‑enabling datasets.

Collaboration & Mentorship

• Mentor and guide scientists across career stages; promote scientific rigor, innovation, and collaboration.

• Communicate findings through internal forums and external publications or scientific meetings.

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and assess their applicability to ocular drug discovery.

About You

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications