Principal Scientist – Transgenic Models and Digitalization

Scientist – Transgenic Models & Laboratory Digitalization

Montpellier, France

About the Job

As a Scientist – Transgenic Models & Laboratory Digitalization within our Translational In Vivo Models (TIM) department, you will combine extensive hands‑on expertise in transgenic mouse colony management and animal handling with a strong interest in laboratory digital transformation. You will be deeply involved in the day‑to‑day production and characterization of genetically modified rodent models, while also driving innovative digitalization initiatives — including connected glasses, OMICS data integration, and digital laboratory management tools. Ready to get started?

Join the heart of Sanofi's mission, where excellence in immunoscience meets the power of artificial intelligence. In R&D, you will be part of major discoveries with the potential to change the lives of millions of patients around the world.

About Sanofi

We're an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people's lives and delivering compelling long‑term growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system — and our 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

• Transgenic colony management & animal handling: Plan, organise, and directly supervise the breeding of transgenic, knock‑out, and knock‑in mouse colonies, with hands‑on involvement in colony monitoring, breeding pair setup, and daily animal care.
• Breeding strategies & genotyping: Define and implement optimized breeding strategies, perform genotyping operations (DNA extraction, PCR, result analysis), and conduct advanced animal manipulations (injections, in‑vivo immunisations, biological sampling).
• Laboratory digitalisation: Lead the implementation of innovative solutions — connected glasses for hands‑free protocol execution, electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN), animal colony management software, and data visualisation dashboards.
• Omics data integration: Contribute to the design and execution of multi‑omics experiments (transcriptomics, genomics, proteomics) applied to transgenic model characterization, and ensure the management and integration of OMICS datasets into bioinformatics analysis pipelines.
• Cross‑functional collaboration: Work closely with animal facilities, veterinary teams, principal investigators, project pharmacologists, and Sanofi's digital teams to ensure animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and technological innovation.
• Training & mentoring: Train and supervise technical staff and students in animal handling, breeding techniques, and genotyping procedures, maintaining high standards of animal welfare and scientific rigour.
• Reporting & innovation: Prepare scientific reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, and actively contribute to the department's innovation culture by proposing and testing new technological approaches.

About You

Experience : Extensive hands‑on experience in transgenic mouse colony management, including direct responsibility for breeding planning, colony maintenance, and daily animal care; proficiency in advanced animal manipulation techniques (genotyping, injections, in‑vivo immunisations, biological sampling); experience or documented interest in digitalisation projects in scientific or industrial environments.

Technical skills : Expert‑level competency in mouse breeding strategies and Mendelian genetics; molecular biology skills (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR); proficiency in Microsoft Office and data visualisation tools (Power BI, Tableau); statistical analysis skills (Prism, R, or Python appreciated); appetite for new technologies and ability to quickly evaluate and adopt new digital tools.

Soft skills : Hands‑on, practical approach with demonstrated ability to work effectively in laboratory and animal facility environments; strong animal welfare ethic and commitment to the 3Rs principles; innovative mindset and intellectual curiosity with genuine appetite for digital transformation; excellent organisational skills and ability to manage priorities in a multi‑project environment.

Education : PhD or Master's degree (M2) in genetics, molecular biology, animal biology, or related biological sciences; additional training in bioinformatics, data science, or digital sciences is a significant asset (required for the role).

Regulatory & Compliance : Valid animal experimentation certification (or ability to obtain rapidly); knowledge of European regulations on animal experimentation (EU Directive 2010/63/EU) and FELASA guidelines.

Languages : French: full professional proficiency required; English: professional level required.

Why Choose Us?

• Work at the forefront of scientific discovery, leveraging the latest advances in AI, data, and digital platforms to push the boundaries of research.
• Help improve the lives of millions of people globally by making drug development quicker and more effective.
• Collaborate beyond your area of expertise, working with diverse multidisciplinary teams across science, clinical, and digital fields to spark new ideas and drive breakthroughs.
• Enjoy exceptional benefits including flexible working hours, comprehensive health coverage, and wellness programmes designed to help you thrive.
• Work with cutting‑edge technology in an excellent laboratory environment, with state‑of‑the‑art animal facilities and motivated teams.
• Contribute to groundbreaking research in transgenic models that directly impacts drug discovery and development.
• Join a world‑class R&D hub in Montpellier, a vibrant international city offering an excellent quality of life and a strong scientific community.

Equal Opportunity Statement

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.