Principal Scientist – Rare Metabolic and Neurological Diseases

Job Title: Principal Scientist – Rare Metabolic and Neurological Diseases

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.

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to drive innovation across our rare disease pipeline. The ideal candidate will have a deep expertise in and RNA biology—particularly RNA regulation, RNA-binding proteins in the context of background in neurodevelopmental diseases (Fragile X, Dravet, Angelman, SYNGAP1, Rett, among others). They will have also led or served as functional leads on cross functional drug discovery teams, preferably working with siRNA or ASO modalities. At Sanofi, they will work with a team of scientists to develop RNA-targeting therapeutics that address the underlying causes of serious genetic, rare diseases.

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

• Build and lead discovery programs grounded in RNA biology and disease mechanisms

• Design and lead the execution of in vitro and in vivo mechanistic and proof-of-concept studies to validate targets and evaluate therapeutic approaches

• Generate high-quality data analyses, interpretations, documentation, and presentations to support program decisions, publications, patent filings, and regulatory submissions (e.g., IND/CTA)

• Communicate progress and scientific findings across internal governance, external collaborators, and scientific audiences (e.g., conferences, publications)

About You

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in RNA biology, molecular/cellular biology, neuroscience, or a related field, and a minimum of 5+ years of post-doctoral experience in academic or biopharma research

• Demonstrated to advance pipeline projects towards IND, with contributions to biological target discovery, mechanism-of-action studies, and translational research

• Track record of scientific impact supported by publications, presentations, and/or program leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading projects and multidisciplinary teams in an industry environment

• Deep expertise in RNA regulation and processing (e.g., splicing, stability, translation, transport), RNA-binding proteins, and regulatory RNAs

• Established network across academic and clinical communities in rare neurological diseases

• Familiarity with competitive landscapes, therapeutic strategies, and emerging technologies relevant to rare neurological diseases

• Hands-on experience with relevant cellular and animal disease models

• Experience with computational biology or large-scale ‘omics datasets

• Experience managing external studies (e.g., CROs, academic collaborations)

• Prior involvement in regulatory document drafting to support IND/CTA submissions

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to lead and execute research independently while thriving in cross-functional, matrixed environments

• Highly adaptable, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving research setting

• Strong data interpretation and scientific problem-solving abilities

• Clear and compelling written and verbal communicator

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong working relationships across disciplines

• High attention to detail and commitment to rigorous, well-documented science

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-neut