Senior Principal Scientist, Lab Head Medicinal Chemistry

Company: Sanofi
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: March 23, 2026

Job Description:

Job Title : Senior Principal Scientist, Lab Head Medicinal Chemistry Location: Cambridge, MA Do you thrive on solving drug discovery challenges and driving therapeutic programs forward with speed and efficiency? Your skills could be critical in helping our teams accelerate progress. Integrated Drug Discovery (IDD) is the small molecule drug discovery platform within Sanofi. IDD is an international, interdisciplinary group that spans medicinal chemistry, structural biology, screening, biochemistry, biophysics, cellular pharmacology, delivery technologies, sample management and more. Our vision is to deliver valuable, high quality synthetic drugs of varying modalities to improve the lives of patients. Our mission is to provide innovation and key enabling technologies to drive the discovery of synthetic small molecules and emerging synthetic modalities as drug candidates in the Sanofi Research Portfolio; to deliver high quality science and innovative approaches to drug discovery, and to perform as a highly collaborative flexible and forward-looking organization with broad impact across the Sanofi pipeline. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced medicinal chemist to join our Cambridge, MA-based team as a Senior Principal Scientist. We are an innovative global healthcare company with one purpose: to chase the miracles of science to improve peoples lives. Were also a company where you can flourish and grow your career, with many opportunities to explore, connect with people, and stretch the limits of what you thought was possible. Ready to get started? Main Responsibilities: The ideal candidate is an experienced leader who excels at solving complex challenges with innovative approaches, brings critical thinking and strategic vision, and consistently delivers results under pressure. A Senior Principal Scientist is responsible for applying deep scientific expertise and judgment to initiate, design, and direct medicinal chemistry in support of research goals. Is an expert in analyzing, interpreting and communicating scientific content to teams and stakeholders. Demonstrates continuous growth in depth and breadth of scientific knowledge and understanding of strategic goals of group, team and company. Successfully works as an impactful contributor, and as a leader of project teams and transverse initiatives; is an experienced and supportive manager and mentor of other medicinal chemists. Has an established and growing reputation in the external scientific community through high impact publications, productive scientific collaborations and active participation in conferences. About You Qualifications: Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary drug discovery projects from conception through key milestones. Experience in all phases of the small molecule discovery process from hit ID to candidate nomination. Exceptional technical skills and demonstrated ability to work and thrive in a collaborative cross-functional team setting; proven ability to analyze complex data sets, draw conclusions, and design follow-on experiments. Experience working with CROs and external collaborators. Comfortable and efficient in fast moving complex global environment. Demonstrated track record of intellectual contributions in drug discovery as evidenced by impactful peer-reviewed publications, presentations, patents, and project achievements. Proven track record mentoring and developing junior scientists with measurable impact on team performance and individual career growth. PhD in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry with 7 years of experience in a pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical environment. Or Masters degree in Organic Chemistry with 9 years of experience in a pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical environment. Or Bachelors degree with 12 years of experience in a pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical environment. 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 its 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. 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. GD-SA LI-SA vhd LI-Hybrid 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.

Keywords: Sanofi, Newton , Senior Principal Scientist, Lab Head Medicinal Chemistry, Science, Research & Development , Cambridge, Massachusetts