Senior Research Associate - Molecular Biology and Microbial Strain Engineering

Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, is a biopharmaceuticals company dedicated to delivering new biologic medicines to patients. Synthorx has developed a revolutionary technology based on bacterial cells that utilize a six-letter, semi-synthetic DNA code to produce custom proteins with site-specific functionalities for the discovery and development of novel protein-based therapeutics. We seek a dynamic and motivated Senior Research Associate or Associate Scientist to join our team in developing new drug discovery programs and the next generation of our technology. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in molecular biology and protein expression, and a strong desire to make a positive impact.

To apply for this position, applicants are encouraged to include a resume and cover letter describing your experience, interests, and any other information that you would consider interesting and relevant.

Position Overview:
This position reports to Synthorx's Head of Platform and Strain development and will apply Synthorx's proprietary E. coli expression platform to the early-stage drug discovery process. Regular activities will include the design, planning, execution, and analysis of molecular biology and protein expression studies to assess and optimize the production of therapeutic protein candidates using the Synthorx technology. The ideal candidate will be an analytical problem-solver with strong attention to detail, have strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively within a highly-collaborative environment with other team members and other groups at the company.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design and clone DNA constructs, and apply Synthorx's expanded DNA alphabet technology, using modern molecular biology techniques, such as Golden Gate Assembly, Gibson Assembly, etc.
  
• Design, perform, and analyze recombinant protein expression experiments to evaluate constructs and engineered strains, and apply findings to further improve protein expression and other strain parameters.
  
• Perform strain characterization assays (DNA sequencing, growth analysis, various in-house assays specific to the Synthorx technology)
  
• Participate in the integration of feedback and results from other research groups (fermentation, protein purification, analytics, and pharmacology) to assess and design improved constructs and strains
  
• Innovate improvements to the team's design-build-test-learn workflow via methodological improvements and new instrumentation
  
• Write associated reports, maintain laboratory notebooks, and present findings to other team members and groups at the company
  

Basic Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in molecular biology, bioengineering, microbiology, synthetic biology or a closely related field, and at least 2 years post-graduate experience in industry or academia.
  
• Must have permanent US work authorization.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with modern molecular biology techniques including PCR, DNA assembly and cloning, plasmid isolation, and DNA sequencing, as well as with associated software for construct design and sequencing analysis (Snapgene, Geneious, etc.)
  
• Experience with microbiological cultivation (including media preparation) and aspetic technique
  
• Experience with protein engineering and recombinant protein expression, preferably in E. coli
  
• Additional experience and skills not required, but helpful:
  
• E. coli fermentation
  
• Development or application of higher-throughput methodologies for protein expression screening, including lab automation
  
• Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) for gene expression analysis
  
• Genomic strain engineering in E. coli using various methods and techniques such as Lambda Red recombineering, CRISPR, MAGE, etc.
  
• Highly self-motivated and independent, but demonstrated ability to coordinate and work well as part of a research team
  
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and excellent multitasking skills
  
• Ability to learn new skills and techniques quickly
  
• Strong organizational and communication skills are imperative
  

The Company provides competitive salaries and benefits.
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.

At Sanofi diversity and inclusion is foundational to how we operate and embedded in our Core Values. We recognize to truly tap into the richness diversity brings we must lead with inclusion and have a workplace where those differences can thrive and be leveraged to empower the lives of our colleagues, patients and customers. We respect and celebrate the diversity of our people, their backgrounds and experiences and provide equal opportunity for all.