Research Trainee, 3D Bioprinting and Next Generation Disease Models

About Sanofi

Sanofi is a science-led biopharmaceutical company that uses data, technology, and deep immunology expertise to develop medicines and vaccines that improve health outcomes around the world. The Frankfurt BioCampus is one of its major integrated R&D locations and offers a collaborative setting for work in innovative disease modelling and drug discovery.

About the Role

This 24-month trainee opportunity focuses on advanced 3D bioprinting, organoid-based disease models, immunology, genomics, and high-throughput screening. The program runs from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028 and is organized into two research rotations covering Type 1/17 immunology, inflammation research, and in vitro biology.

The project centers on building advanced 3D bioprinted models for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), both of which have major unmet clinical needs and limited robust in vitro systems. The role is designed to provide exposure to the full path from disease biology to translational drug discovery in a highly collaborative research environment.

Responsibilities

• Work with cross-functional research teams and contribute to shared project milestones across fundamental and applied science activities.
• Develop and refine 3D bioprinted skin and gut models by evaluating bioink compositions and extracellular matrix conditions suited to the relevant cell types and disease context.
• Carry out molecular profiling and multi-omics analysis, including transcriptomic and proteomic characterization of the bioprinted models.
• Use an iterative lab-in-the-loop approach to improve model relevance and reproduce tissue structure and disease-related biological mechanisms.
• Adapt the models for high-throughput screening use cases.
• Assist with assay miniaturization and automation efforts.
• Support integration of the models into drug discovery workflows.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in bioengineering, immunology, stem cell biology, or a closely related discipline.
• Practical experience with advanced 3D cell culture systems and bioprinting is strongly preferred.
• Background in immunological assays and inflammatory disease biology.
• Exposure to omics-based methods such as transcriptomics and/or proteomics.
• Familiarity with high-throughput screening, programming, and/or automation workflows.
• Basic knowledge of CRISPR/Cas9 is an advantage.
• Strong enthusiasm for 3D bioprinting, advanced disease models, and translational research.
• Interest in working at the intersection of biology, engineering, and drug discovery.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary and cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication skills and a team-oriented mindset.
• German and English proficiency at minimum B2 level in both spoken and written communication.

Program Highlights

• Work on pioneering research that connects bioprinting, immunology, and genomics in a practical drug discovery setting.
• Gain exposure through a structured rotation across two departments and learn how foundational immunology research is translated into development work.
• Collaborate with international teams and scientists in a global research environment.
• Build a specialized interdisciplinary profile that supports future growth in biomedical research.
• Contribute to research aimed at improving outcomes for patients with HS and IBD.

Additional Information

This trainee program is limited to 24 months and is based in Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany. The role is onsite. Experience the program across two phases: Phase 1 in Type 1/17 Immunology and Phase 2 in IDD in-vitro biology.

Tags

Immunology, High-Throughput Screening, Next Generation Disease Models, Sanofi