Head of Toxicology Innovation

Job title: Head of Toxicology Innovation Location: Cambridge, MA About the job Join the engine of Sanofiu2019s mission u2014 where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, youu2019ll 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 u2014 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 Weu2019re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving peopleu2019s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system u2013 and innovative pipeline u2013 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 peopleu2019s 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 u2014 including organoids, microphysiological systems (MPS/organ-on-chip), and advanced cell culture platforms u2014 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 itu2019s 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 weeksu2019 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. #GD-SAu200b #LI-SA #LI-Onsite #vhd Pursue _progress_ , discover _extraordinary_ Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesnu2019t happen without people u2013 people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, letu2019s 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 ( _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 - $335,833.33 All 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 (. Global Terms & Conditions and Data Privacy Statement ( Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term chronic conditions. With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around the globe. Discover more about us visiting or via our movie We are Sanofi ( As an organization, we change the practice of medicine; reinvent the way we work; and enable people to be their best versions in career and life. We are constantly moving and growing, making sure our people grow with us. Our working environment helps us build a dynamic and inclusive workplace operating on trust and respect and allows employees to live the life they want to live. All in for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Sanofi - YouTube (

Created: 2026-05-02