Head of Toxicology Innovation

Job title

Head of Toxicology Innovation

Cambridge, MA

Sanofi’s mission is anchored in immunoscience and AI‑powered research. In R&D, you will lead a global function that integrates cutting‑edge science, digital technology, and patient safety. As Head of Toxicology Innovation (Digital and Investigative Application), you will define and execute the strategic vision for toxicology innovation across the Global Preclinical Safety organization, driving the integration of AI, ML, and advanced in vitro technologies into toxicology practice.

• Strategic Innovation Leadership: Define and champion the long‑term vision 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 to enhance safety assessment and reduce drug attrition. Serve as the authority on new approach methodologies (NAMs), digital tools, and investigative science. Represent Sanofi in external scientific forums, regulatory discussions, industry consortia, and academic partnerships.
• AI/ML & Digital Application: Lead the development, validation, and deployment of AI and machine‑learning models for predicting safety liabilities, including target organ toxicity, genotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and other key endpoints. Build computational platforms, predictive modeling pipelines, and data‑science capabilities to support Global Preclinical Safety. Establish best practices and governance for responsible AI/ML use in regulatory‑relevant assessment. Integrate predictive models into early drug discovery workflows to enable proactive safety‑by‑design decisions.
• Investigative Toxicology & Novel In Vitro Model Development: Direct scientific strategy and operations of laboratories in France and the U.S., ensuring high‑quality mechanistic insights that inform development decisions. Champion the development and qualification of novel in vitro models—organoids, microphysiological systems (MPS/organ‑on‑chip), and advanced cell‑culture platforms—to investigate mechanisms of toxicity and human relevance. Translate mechanistic findings into actionable safety strategies, supporting candidate progression, risk mitigation, and regulatory submissions.
  
  Maintain rigorous scientific, quality, and compliance standards 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. Implement frameworks for knowledge management, data sharing, and cross‑site collaboration. Identify opportunities to streamline and modernize workflows through automation, digitization, and fit‑for‑purpose technologies. Benchmark Sanofi’s innovation capabilities against industry peers and academic leaders.
• Regulatory Strategy & External Engagement: Engage proactively with regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, etc.) to advance acceptance of novel methodologies and computational approaches in safety assessment. Contribute to regulatory submissions, scientific briefings, and responses to agency queries. Build and maintain strategic partnerships with academic institutions, technology companies, and industry consortia.
• Leadership & Management: Provide direct leadership, mentorship, and performance management to a global team of scientists, computational toxicologists, and digital specialists. Build a high‑performing, inclusive culture that encourages curiosity, bold thinking, and cross‑functional collaboration. Manage resource allocation, budgeting, and headcount strategy. Develop talent pipelines and succession plans. Foster a psychologically safe environment supportive of scientific risk‑taking.

• 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…