Job title: Head of Toxicology Innovation
Location: Cambridge, MA
About the job
Join the engine of Sanofi’s mission — where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, you’ll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions.
Position Overview & Mission
As Head of Toxicology Innovation (Digital and Investigative Application), you will lead a transformative global function that sits at the intersection of cutting-edge science, digital technology, and patient safety. This senior leadership role is responsible for defining and executing the strategic vision for toxicology innovation across Sanofi's Global Preclinical Safety organization. You will drive the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced in vitro technologies into toxicology practice — fundamentally reshaping how we predict, investigate, and understand safety liabilities in drug development. With direct oversight of laboratory operations in France and the United States, and digital capabilities in Germany, you will lead a truly global, multidisciplinary team united by a shared commitment to scientific excellence and patient safety.
Reporting to the Global Head of Preclinical Safety, this role offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of toxicology at one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies.
About Sanofi
We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.
Main Responsibilities:
Strategic Innovation Leadership
Define and champion the long-term vision and roadmap for toxicology innovation, aligning with Sanofi's broader R&D digital transformation strategy and preclinical safety objectives
Identify, evaluate, and prioritize emerging technologies, methodologies, and scientific advances with the objective to enhance safety assessment and reduce drug attrition
Serve as the organizational authority and thought leader on the application of new approach methodologies (NAMs), digital tools, and investigative science in toxicology
Represent Sanofi in external scientific forums, regulatory discussions, industry consortia, and academic partnerships to advance the field and position Sanofi as an innovation leader in toxicology
AI/ML and Digital Application
Lead the development, validation, and deployment of AI and machine learning models for the prediction of safety liabilities, including target organ toxicity, genotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and other key endpoints
Drive the build-out of computational platforms, predictive modeling pipelines, and data science capabilities in support of Global Preclinical Safety
Establish best practices and governance frameworks for the responsible use of AI/ML tools in regulatory-relevant safety assessment
Drive integration of predictive models into early drug discovery workflows to enable proactive safety-by-design decision-making
Investigative Toxicology & Novel In Vitro Model Development
Direct the scientific strategy and operations of laboratories in France and the United States, ensuring delivery of high-quality mechanistic insights that inform drug development decisions
Champion the development and qualification of novel in vitro models — including organoids, microphysiological systems (MPS/organ-on-chip), and advanced cell culture platforms — to investigate mechanisms of toxicity and understand human relevance
Oversee the translation of mechanistic findings into actionable safety strategies, supporting candidate progression, risk mitigation, and regulatory submissions
Ensure laboratory operations meet the highest standards of scientific rigor, quality, and compliance across all sites
Ways of Working & Operational Transformation
Drive cultural and operational transformation within the toxicology function, embedding innovation, agility, and data-driven decision making as core ways of working
Develop and implement frameworks for knowledge management, data sharing, and cross-site scientific collaboration across France, the US, and Germany
Identify opportunities to streamline and modernize toxicology workflows through automation, digitization, and the adoption of fit-for-purpose technologies
Benchmark Sanofi's toxicology innovation capabilities against industry peers and academic leaders, identifying gaps and opportunities for advancement
Regulatory Strategy & External Engagement
Engage proactively with regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, and others) to advance the acceptance of novel methodologies and computational approaches in safety assessment
Contribute to the development of regulatory submissions, scientific briefing documents, and responses to agency queries related to innovative toxicology approaches
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with academic institutions, technology companies, and industry consortia to accelerate innovation and share pre-competitive knowledge
Leadership & Management
Provide direct leadership, mentorship, and performance management to a global team of scientists, computational toxicologists, and digital specialists across France, the US, and Germany
Build and sustain a high-performing, inclusive, and diverse team culture that encourages scientific curiosity, bold thinking, and cross-functional collaboration
Manage resource allocation, budget planning, and headcount strategy across all sites under remit
Develop talent pipelines and succession plans to ensure long-term organizational capability and resilience
Foster a psychologically safe environment where innovation is encouraged, and calculated scientific risk-taking is supported
Partner with site heads and functional leaders to ensure seamless integration of global and local priorities
About You
Required Qualifications:
PhD in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Computational Biology, or a closely related discipline
Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in toxicology within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a demonstrated track record of scientific leadership and innovation
Deep expertise in preclinical safety assessment across multiple toxicological domains
Proven experience leading or significantly contributing to the development and application of AI/ML models or computational approaches in a safety context
Demonstrated experience with novel in vitro technologies and their application to mechanistic toxicology investigations
Established track record of leading and developing high-performing teams
Experience engaging with regulatory agencies and contributing to regulatory strategy
Strong scientific publication record and/or patent portfolio reflecting contributions to the field
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working within a global matrix organization across multiple countries and cultures
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks governing the use of NAMs and computational tools in safety assessment
Experience with microphysiological systems, organoid technologies, or other advanced human-relevant in vitro platforms
Prior experience managing multi-site laboratory operations and/or digital/data science teams
Established network within the toxicology innovation ecosystem (academia, regulatory, industry consortia)
Proficiency in or working knowledge of data science tools and programming environments (e.g., Python, R) relevant to toxicological modeling
Travel Requirements:
This is a global role requiring international travel to Sanofi sites in France, the United States, and Germany, as well as attendance at scientific conferences and external partnership engagements. Estimated travel is 20% of working time.
What We Offer
At Sanofi, we are committed to creating an environment where innovation thrives and our people can do their best work in service of patients. As Head of Toxicology Innovation, you will:
Shape the future of toxicology at a global scale, with the resources, mandate, and executive support to drive meaningful change
Lead at the frontier of AI/ML, digital science, and advanced in vitro biology in one of the most dynamic functions in drug development
Work with world-class talent across a diverse, global team united by scientific passion and a commitment to excellence
Benefit from competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and Sanofi's commitment to employee development and well-being
Access global career opportunities within one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies
Why Choose Us?
Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.
Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.
Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.
Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive 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.
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Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.
At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability or gender identity.
Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only
Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally inclusive and diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; natural or protective hairstyles; 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.
North America Applicants Only
The salary range for this position is:
$232,500.00 - $335,833.33All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs. Additional benefits information can be found through the LINK.