Head of Toxicology Innovation

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.