Sanofi is one of Australian's top medicines and vaccines companies. 

In parternship with UQ's Graduate School, is offering to PhD candidates an opportunity to work with their clinical operations team to develop their research and transferable skills through a HDR placement. PhD candidates with a relevant background (e.g., pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, life sciences) are welcome to apply.

Intended start date: 2026 (Specific date negotiable with the selected candidate).

Total days: 60 working days.

Location: Translational Research Institute TRI, Woolloongabba. QLD. To collaborate with our team 2-3 times a week at the office, work from home available the remainder of the week.

EOIs closes on Tuesday 30th September 2025. Please email submissions directly to this link Student Placement Application for Clinical Operations Interviews are scheduled to take place between October and November 2025, with final placement offers confirmed by the end of November 2025.

This placement is unpaid, but you might be eligible to apply for one of the Graduate School Scholarships.

About the project

Develop with mentoring and guidance from inspirational leaders while helping to make an impact on the lives of countless people worldwide.

This Brisbane based placement offers a unique opportunity for the selected student to gain valuable industry experience and enhance their skills, while being mentored by inspirational leaders in a cutting-edge clinical trials project.

  • Project work (research-focused):
    Analyse protocol deviations from selected studies and prepare an internal report outlining operational and scientific impact of the protocol deviations. Where applicable, identify protocol deviations requiring reporting to the human research ethics committee (HREC). Review and interpret site performance and enrolment data to inform future trial design or feasibility strategies. Participate in the quality review of study files. Assist with financial management and planning of study.
  • Support study planning and coordination:
    Participate in the development and review of clinical trial documentation and contribute to study risk planning and operational strategy. Assist in the analysis of study metrics (e.g. enrolment figures) and contribute to the continuation of study enrolment.
  • Collaborate on regulatory and compliance activities:
    Gain hands-on experience reviewing ethical and regulatory submission documents and ensuring alignment with ICH-GCP and local regulatory requirements.
  • Cross-functional collaboration:
    Work alongside internal and external stakeholders to support project timelines, budget monitoring, and milestone tracking.
  • Industry communication exposure:
    Prepare a short presentation or internal summary on trial innovation trends (e.g. decentralised trials, digital endpoints) and their relevance to the Sanofi portfolio. Participate in internal and (where relevant) external meetings on activities performed.

About you

Skills and Experience

  • Strong interest in clinical research and drug development.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to quickly learn new skills, procedures and systems (ie. File management systems).

Why choose Sanofi?

  • Hands-on experience in clinical operations within a leading pharmaceutical company.
  • Exposure to cutting-edge research and development projects.
  • Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the field.
  • Opportunity to learn new skills and expand professional networks.