Principal Scientist – Experiment Disease Modeling

Role Summary

Principal Scientist – Experiment Disease Modeling. Location: Cambridge, MA. Lead development and application of complex in vitro disease model systems to support Sanofi's translational research across oncology, autoimmune disease, rare disease, neurology, and ophthalmology. Collaborate with external and internal stakeholders to advance model systems, integrate with high-dimensional data, and guide decisions on outsourcing vs internalization.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain complex in vitro model systems in collaboration with disease experts.
• Optimize and troubleshoot candidate profiling efforts with collaborators and stakeholders across departments and therapeutic areas.
• Collaborate with high dimensional data generation (single cell/spatial transcriptomics) and computational biology teams to provide detailed profiling and comparisons between in vitro models and in vivo/patient disease data.
• Integrate model systems with functional genomics validation efforts.
• Communicate actionable information to stakeholders.
• Work with external academic key opinion leaders to leverage unique models or help kickstart pilot studies via Sanofi academic grants or technology awards.
• Identify and pilot new solution provider companies through technology access programs and CROs to assess new complex in vitro models to inform stakeholders about new opportunities and potential for internalization where appropriate.
• Present posters and talks at internal scientific events and external conferences.
• Publish scientific findings in collaboration with TA stakeholders and external academic collaborators.
• Mentor junior scientists, collaborators, and colleagues.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams in a matrixed format.

Qualifications

About You

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Immunology, Cellular Biology, plus a minimum of 5 years post PhD experience in an academic or biopharmaceutical setting or masters degree plus minimum 7 years post MS degree relevant experience.
• Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of complex cell modeling and disease biology, drug discovery, high dimensional profiling or related disciplines.
• Design experiments, assist in project design, and independently complete disease modeling projects. Acts as a scientific resource within TDSB and across Therapeutic Areas.
• Promotes novel experimental approaches and adoption of complex in vitro models; investigates/creates innovative processes and methodologies.
• Develops innovative approaches for drug discovery and candidate profiling.
• Strong problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and ability to lead collaborations.
• Excellent publications, presentations, patents and/or projects as a leading contributor with strong project impact.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to troubleshoot and optimize assays.
• Strong teamwork and communication/presentation skills.
• Experience educating and mentoring stakeholders and junior colleagues.

Skills

• Tissue culture (Primary Cell Isolation, Differentiation, Immortalization, Expansion)
• Flow cytometry (data acquisition and analysis), cytokine assays, and viability/proliferation platforms
• In vitro profiling techniques (IHC, IF, qPCR, RNAseq, Proteomics, Live cell imaging, TEER, permeability tests)
• Drug screening and complex culture development (organoid, spheroid, tumoroid, ALI, explant)
• Applying in vitro models for mechanism of action studies
• Evaluating new complex culture publications or companies
• Scaffold and matrix engineering (Collagen, Matrigel, synthetic ECM polymers)
• Functional perturbation assays (CRISPR, combinatorial screening, electrophysiology)
• High dimensional profiling (Single Cell Transcriptomics, Spatial Transcriptomics, Spatial Proteomics, high-parameter flow cytometry, Mass Spec, high-content imaging)
• Microfluidics
• Familiarity with therapeutics modalities (antibodies, bi-specifics, degraders, ADCs)

Education

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Immunology, Cellular Biology, or related field (preferred) or equivalent experience as noted above.