Post Doctoral Fellow - Microbial Strain Engineering for Biopharmaceutical Application (all gend[...]

About The Job

At Sanofi, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. In the Global CMC department of R&D we develop industrial‑scale production processes to bring our pipeline molecules to the patient. As part of the Microbial Platform in Frankfurt, we are developing cutting‑edge manufacturing processes for the next generation of microbial‑derived biologics. To support our Host Strain Engineering Team in Frankfurt, we are looking for a highly self‑motivated, innovative molecular biologist with passion for microbial biotechnology and synthetic biology who is eager to bring research into application.

Main Responsibilities

• Work independently as a fully integrated member of a cross‑functional, interdisciplinary, and international CMC development team
• Lead planning, design, and execution of molecular biological experiments, strain engineering and process development
• Develop, evaluate, and implement new methods or apply and optimize existing state‑of‑the‑art process‑relevant methods and molecular biological techniques
• Establish and optimize CRISPR methods for Pichia pastoris (Komagataella phaffii) genome editing as basis for engineering of strains for recombinant protein production and industrial manufacturing processes
• Analyze data, interpret results, present and report findings to an international and interdisciplinary audience
• Follow, review, and share the latest project‑related innovations and technology breakthroughs in academia and industry
• Contribute to collaborations with academic institutions

Experience

• Ph.D. with experience in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, and microbial expression systems
• Track record within the field of recombinant protein expression technology, synthetic biology, and strain engineering with strong focus on yeast, especially Pichia pastoris (Komagataella phaffii)

Scientific Skills

• Experience with DNA sequence design, cloning software (SnapGene, Benchling, etc.) and modern molecular cloning techniques (Golden Gate, Gibson assembly, etc.)
• Strong experience with CRISPR technologies (ideally with focus on yeast) and microbial synthetic biology concepts
• Hands‑on experience and expertise in molecular cloning, yeast strain engineering and analytical characterization of microbial strains
• Experience with NGS (ONT, Illumina) and NGS‑data analysis for validation of engineered expression strains
• Programming skills to support scientific data analysis

Soft Skills

• Passionate about biotechnology and synthetic biology
• Ability to drive a scientific project from idea to application ("Can Do" attitude)
• Demonstrated ability/willingness to quickly learn and perform in new areas, implement new techniques and instrumentation
• Ability to plan and execute experiments independently, organized, rigorous and adaptable
• Structured and accurate way of working
• Innovative mindset and entrepreneurial spirit
• Strong team player with analytical skills and interest to work in a highly interdisciplinary area

Languages

• Fluent in English, preferably good German skills

Benefits

• Be part of a pioneering biopharma company that engages patients early in drug development and uses their insights to design studies that reflect real‑world needs
• Work at the forefront of drug discovery, harnessing cutting‑edge AI, data, and digital platforms to push the boundaries of science
• Help improve the lives of millions of people globally by making drug development quicker and more effective
• Join a workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core, with Employee Resource Groups and leadership programs that celebrate every voice
• Achieve genuine work‑life balance in a supportive R&D environment