Scientist -Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Job title: Scientist -Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Location: Cambridge, MA

About the job

We are seeking a talented and motivated bench-level Organic Chemist to join our Synthetic Enabling Technologies team within the Process Chemistry organization. This Scientist role is hands-on and laboratory-focused, requiring deep expertise in organic and process chemistry, along with strong skills in rapid reaction optimization to enable efficient scale-up from lab bench to chemical plant.

The ideal candidate will have strong interest in laboratory automation and will play a key role in developing and optimizing synthetic routes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). You will contribute to a variety of challenging and diverse projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance drug candidates from early development through clinical trials and into commercial manufacturing.

Your work will directly accelerate candidate selection and early clinical supply, making a tangible impact on the success of our pipeline. Ready to get started?

Join the team transforming care for people with immune challenges, rare diseases, cancers, and neurological conditions. In Specialty Care, you’ll help deliver breakthrough treatments that bring hope to patients with some of the highest unmet needs.

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:

• Plan and conduct organic synthesis experiments and chemical reactions in the laboratory.

• Design, develop, and optimize synthetic routes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) using the right technology to allow smooth and rapid scale up to pilot-scale operations.

• Perform chemical analyses and compound characterization using a range of online/offline analytical techniques.

• Support technology transfer to manufacturing sites, fostering innovation and continuous improvement in synthetic methodologies.

• Troubleshoot technical issues at the interface of chemistry and manufacturing, providing effective solutions.

• Serve as the primary technical contact within the team, anticipating challenges and implementing proactive measures.

• Oversee and ensure the proper maintenance and operational readiness of specific scientific equipment.

• Communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively to multidisciplinary audiences and stakeholders.

• Mentor junior scientists and offer technical leadership and guidance.

• Document all experimental work and continuous improvement efforts in a digital lab notebook and compile findings into comprehensive technical reports.

About you

Basic Requirements:

• Minimum 1 year of experience in synthetic organic chemistry and process development.

• Demonstrated ability to translate laboratory processes to pilot/industrial scale.

• Experienced in working on different types of chemical modalities ie small molecules, peptides, lipids.

Education:

MSc in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or related field, with a strong academic record and proven expertise in synthetic organic chemistry.

Preferred:

• Rapid extrapolation of chemical processes in early-phase process development for small molecules (pharma or biotech preferred).

• Experience with automation platforms and digital tools for reaction monitoring and control.

Soft and technical skills:

• Organic Chemistry & Synthesis: designing and executing synthetic routes, understanding reaction mechanisms, Troubleshooting chemical processes.

• Analytical Skills: chemical analysis techniques, chromatography (HPLC, GC), spectroscopy (NMR, MS, IR), data interpretation.

• Strong data management and analysis skills.

• Technical Problem-Solving: process troubleshooting, root cause analysis, risk assessment, Solution development.

• Experience with digital lab notebooks, chemoinformatics, or reaction databases.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills; ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Languages: English fluent. French Preferred.

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.

• Be part of a pioneering biopharma company that engages patients early in drug development and uses their insights to design studies that reflect real-world needs.

• Help improve the lives of millions of people globally by making drug development quicker and more effective.

• Work at the forefront of drug discovery, harnessing cutting-edge AI, data, and digital platforms to push the boundaries of science.

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse 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.

All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.