Principal Scientist Crystallization & Particle Engineering
Sanofi
Montpellier, Occitanie, France
Full-Time
Competitive
RemoteSenior
Job title: Principal Scientist Crystallization & Particle Engineering
Location: Montpellier, France
As Principal Scientist within our R&D team in Montpellier, you'll lead our Crystallization & Particle Engineering Laboratory and drive innovative projects across Sanofi's small molecule portfolio — from early-stage discovery through commercialization. Ready to get started?
Are you a recognized expert in crystallization and particle engineering, passionate about scientific innovation and ready to have a direct impact on the development of life-changing small molecule medicines? This role is for you.
We are seeking a high-level scientist to lead our Crystallization & Particle Engineering Laboratory in Montpellier. As Scientific Leader, you will drive innovative projects across Sanofi's small molecule portfolio, from early-stage discovery through late-stage development and commercialization. You will develop cutting-edge crystallization and particle engineering processes, push technological boundaries, and become a recognized scientific reference within the global Sanofi community.
You will lead a team of 3-5 highly qualified scientists and engineers while remaining deeply involved in the laboratory's scientific activities. You will have real autonomy in defining scientific directions, and your expertise will directly influence development decisions at the global level.
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’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 Excellence & Innovation:
Define and implement the laboratory's scientific strategy in crystallization and particle engineering for small molecule APIs and drug products across early-stage and late-stage development, with real autonomy over technological directions
Drive the development and optimization of innovative crystallization processes (batch, continuous, reactive crystallization) for complex small molecules at all development stages
Push technological boundaries by exploring new approaches and methodologies in particle engineering (spray drying, milling, granulation, hot-melt extrusion, etc.)
Leverage modeling and simulation tools to predict crystallization behavior, optimize process parameters, and accelerate development timelines
Actively contribute to laboratory experiments and scientific work
Identify and evaluate polymorphs and crystalline forms, explore new crystallization strategies to optimize bioavailability and manufacturability
Apply and innovate with QbD and PAT principles to optimize processes from discovery through commercialization
Scout and integrate new technologies and scientific methodologies to maintain competitive advantage
Develop creative solutions to complex scientific challenges in small molecule development
Technological Advances & Technology Transfer:
Develop proprietary technologies and innovative processes that create competitive advantage for small molecule programs at all development stages
Ensure seamless technology transfer of processes from early-stage development through late-stage optimization to large-scale production
Collaborate with production teams to adapt and optimize processes at industrial scale
Document and validate processes according to GMP and quality standards
Cross-functional Scientific Collaboration & Visibility:
Collaborate closely with Formulation, Analytical Sciences, Chemical Development, and Manufacturing teams at local and global levels
Provide scientific expertise to project meetings and strategic technical committees across early-stage and late-stage programs
Interact with Sanofi's global scientific teams (Boston, Paris, Frankfurt, etc.) to share innovations and best practices
Represent the laboratory at scientific conferences and contribute to publications and patents
Deliver scientific deliverables on time and according to quality standards
Team Leadership:
Lead and develop a team of 3-5 highly motivated scientists/engineers
Conduct annual reviews and support scientific skill development
Facilitate team meetings and foster scientific collaboration and collective innovation
Participate in recruiting high-level scientific talent
Manage laboratory budget and optimize resources
Compliance & Quality:
Ensure compliance with Sanofi's EHS standards and GMP guidelines
Oversee management and maintenance of state-of-the-art scientific equipment.
A fixed salary over 12 months, as well as profit-sharing and incentive bonuses based on Sanofi Group results.
Because taking care of our employees is also our mission: 31 days of paid leave + RTT days (reduced working time) according to your status, remote work up to 2 days/week, quality health insurance, public transportation coverage up to 80%; maternity leave (18 weeks) and child welcoming leave (14 weeks), Savings Plan & Retirement Plans with employer contributions, Works Council benefits, internal and international mobility opportunities, a customizable training program to support you throughout your career, and many other benefits to discover here.
Education & Scientific Expertise:
Education: PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field
Solid and recognized expertise in crystallization, solid-state chemistry, or particle engineering for small molecules, developed through a career rich in scientific challenges in the pharmaceutical industry
In-depth expertise in crystallization process development and polymorphism for small molecule APIs across early-stage and late-stage development
Advanced mastery of particle engineering technologies (spray drying, milling, granulation, etc.)
Confirmed experience in QbD, PAT, and process optimization for small molecule development
Experience working on projects spanning from discovery through commercialization (desired)
Scientific publications and/or patents in the field (desired)
Experience developing proprietary technologies or innovative processes for small molecules (desired)
Expertise in crystallization modeling and simulation tools (e.g., molecular dynamics, thermodynamic modeling, process simulation) (desired)
Key Scientific Competencies:
Deep understanding of solid-state chemistry and crystallization phenomena
Mastery of characterization techniques (XRPD, DSC, FTIR, microscopy, etc.)
Recognized ability to solve complex scientific problems and innovate
Creative mindset and ability to explore new scientific approaches
Scientific rigor and attention to detail
Ability to design and conduct robust and reproducible experiments
Familiarity with modeling and computational approaches to predict and optimize crystallization processes (desired)
Leadership Competencies:
Experience leading scientific teams with recognized ability to inspire and motivate
Excellent scientific communication skills
Collaborative mindset and ability to work in a matrix organization
Languages: Fluency in English and in French are required.
Stimulating scientific environment at the forefront of small molecule pharmaceutical innovation, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge scientific equipment
Real scientific autonomy in defining technological and strategic directions for the laboratory, with direct influence on global development decisions
Innovation opportunities: development of proprietary technologies, exploration of new methodologies, and scientific freedom to push boundaries across all development stages
International visibility: regular interactions with Sanofi's global scientific teams (Boston, Paris, Frankfurt, etc.), opportunities to present at scientific conferences, and contribute to publications and patents
Direct impact on the development of innovative small molecule medicines, from discovery through commercialization
Access to a network of global scientific experts to collaborate with and continuously develop your expertise
Mobility opportunities nationally and internationally within Sanofi
Diverse and inclusive work environment where scientific excellence and innovation are truly valued
Location in Montpellier: exceptional quality of life, rich scientific ecosystem, and proximity to leading universities and research centers
Flexible work arrangements (2 days/week remote) for optimal work-life balance.
PursueProgress. DiscoverExtraordinary.
Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science - where your growth can be just as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and do what's never-been-done-before. You'll help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions that reach the communities we serve. Ready to chase the miracles of science and improve people's lives? Let's Pursue Progress and Discover Extraordinary – together.
At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
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Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.
At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability or gender identity.
Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!
The salary range for this position is :€54 400,00 - €72 533Final compensation will be determined based on demonstrated experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs.