Pharmaceutical Engineering - Principal Scientist

Job Title Principal Scientist Location Montpellier, France Grade L3 Hiring Manager Sophie MARTIN About the job Join our Pharmaceutical Engineering team in the CMC Synthetics Platform as a Principal Scientist and drive modeling implementation and technological solution identification for the development of drug product processes for new synthetic molecular entities. You will be based at our primary drug product development site in Montpellier, France, and work at the forefront of Sanofi’s transformation from a traditional experiment‑heavy approach to a digital, in‑silico experimentation strategy that accelerates knowledge generation and efficiency. You will collaborate closely with the Drug Product Development, Crystallization, and Particle Engineering groups on process selection, design, optimization, technology transfer, and new technology implementation. As part of the Pharmaceutical Engineering group, you will contribute to process characterization (control strategy definition) and technology transfer, as well as the implementation of automation and robotics in drug product development. Overall, you will design robust and efficient pharmaceutical processes that meet quality, environmental, and cost targets such as process capability, PMI, and COGs. Main Responsibilities Help the section head establish operational frameworks to coordinate pharmaceutical engineering activities on projects (planning, priorities, challenges, resource allocation). Help the section head establish collaborative ways of working with other departments. Elaborate and champion a roadmap for the use of digital development workflows and software tools (e.g., apps), automation, and robotics to enable the transition from traditional experimentally heavy protocols to Digital Twins for continuous improvement of drug product process risk assessment throughout development. Lead the transfer and handover of digital tools to Industrial Manufacturing to ensure robust process transfer, scale‑up, and monitoring for PPQ and commercial launch. Stay up to date with regulatory approaches and requirements in drug product sections and promote the description of mechanistic understanding, modeling, and digital twin in P2.3. Stay up to date with new manufacturing and physical powder characterization technologies proposed on the market and identify interesting improvements to propose to drug product development and clinical manufacturing. Comply with all internal and applicable government quality and HSE (Health, Safety and Environmental) requirements. About You – Experience • Demonstrated ability to identify and develop impactful modeling applications and technological engineering solutions for drug product development.• Ability to design experimental plans and propose representative use‑tests to collect data required up to the translation of conceptual mathematical models to computer models. About You – Soft and Technical Skills • Strong understanding of process engineering and solid‑state physical characterisations.• Demonstrated skills with computer programming using software such as Matlab and Python.• Basic understanding of statistical concepts and data engineering to effectively work with biostatisticians and IT partners on data exploitation and integration.• Strong technical knowledge of the state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing and characterization equipment available on the market.• Strong people skills to drive change management by resolving conflict, building support, and engaging with partners.• Ability to identify priorities, focus, and structure activities (agile method implementation) leading to impactful quick wins. Education PhD in Pharmaceutical Engineering or related field + at least 5 years of experience. Languages French and English (fluent). What we offer Access to state‑of‑the‑art technology including continuous processes, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and biosynthetic transformations. Opportunity to lead a team across multiple sites and two countries (France and US). A thoughtful, well‑crafted rewards package recognising your contribution and amplifying your impact. Salary range for this position is €54,400.00 - €72,533. Final 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. EEO Statement At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We celebrate diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organisation. #J-18808-Ljbffr