Head of Toxicology Innovation

Sanofi • Cambridge, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits
• Sanofi's commitment to employee development and well-being
• Access global career opportunities within one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies
• High-quality healthcare
• Prevention and wellness programs
• At least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree