Immuno-Oncology Cell Therapy Cluster-Global Oncology Research
OVERVIEW:
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. At Sanofi, we believe in a world in which the combination of ground-breaking science, AI and novel technologies brings a new wave of therapies for areas of high unmet need. We are strongly investing in new partnerships and acquisitions to spur rapid innovation. That's why we are looking for bold and ambitious scientists to join our Oncology Research Department in our mission to restore hope for people living with cancer. Our department is divided into multiple clusters, each working relentlessly to identify and validate new first-in-class, best-in-class molecules or therapeutic modalities to address high unmet medical needs as well as extend our understanding of biology and immunology of cancer, how the current medications work through dedicated research studies to maximize the value of our drugs.
Specifically, we re-engineer immune cells to adaptively transfer to patients to selectively kill the tumor cells. Immune cells will function as living drugs and, in favorable situations, expand and exert a robust anti-tumor response. Similarly, they are bound by the same laws that endogenous human cells are, such as exhaustion by tumor-produced factors, abnormal tumor vessels, and other obstacles that a suppressive tumor microenvironment poses. We try to remove barriers to the success of cell-based therapies in our group.
GOAL:
We will provide a supportive environment for the fellow to learn about potential career paths in research function in a pharmaceutical setting. A comprehensive training program is set in place to train the fellow hands-on in the lab in conducting experiments designed to ask a fundamental biological question on how the tumor microenvironment (TME) exerts immunosuppression on cell-based therapies in our group.
OBJECTIVES:
Support existing therapeutic programs by developing assays and techniques to mimic the tumor microenvironment to test antibodies and biomaterials (e.g., nanoparticles) that alter the immune system in favor of tumor cell eradication.
Learn how within a therapeutic area a project is developed and moves through stages of drug development, and how to be effective in a highly organized large pharma.
Develop proficient interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with key stakeholders.
Work on multiple assignments under one deliverable outcome, and effectively document scientific data to move projects forward and impactful scientific publications.
SANOFI COMPONENT:
Develop research and communications skills: The fellow will get hands-on training in experimental design, execution, as well as data evaluation to build impactful preclinical research studies. The fellow will also strengthen both verbal and written communications through the preparation and presentation of scientific data as global talks, international conferences, and impactful scientific publications
LEADERSHIP:
Over the course of preceptorship, the fellow will learn to lead the project and interact with key stakeholders to drive the direction of the project.
INNOVATION:
The fellow will learn and explore innovative technologies (e.g., system biology approaches and drug delivery) in Sanofi and potentially incorporate them into the research project to build our understanding of mechanisms through which we can alleviate immunosuppression in tumors to potentiate immunotherapy.
NETWORKING:
The fellow will have extensive opportunities to interact with Sanofi colleagues in various functions within research and development and medical affairs, as well as other fellows and post-docs to find support and drive career development.
IDEAL CANDIDATE:
A PharmD with a passion for cancer research and drug development having all of some of these skill sets:
-
Advanced knowledge of therapeutics
-
Working knowledge of biology
-
Strong technical/analytical skills to identify and solve problems
-
Proven ability to work with a high level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail
-
Strong organizational skills in order to maintain a high level of productivity to complete assignments on-time
-
Scientific writing and presentation skills as excellent oral and written communication skills are required for effectively interacting with all members of the company
-
Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and results-oriented