Head of Global Investigative Toxicology

Job Title: Head of Global Investigative Toxicology

Location: Vitry,FR

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.

In the pharmaceutical industry, one of the major challenges in the discovery of innovative medicines is to ensure they are safe enough to serve patients – that is our mission. Drug safety is assessed throughout the R&D value chain, but it is during early drug discovery when we can actively design safety attributes into future candidate drug. We are supporting Drug Hunting partners in identification and optimization of new biological and synthetic molecule series applying cutting edge technologies pushing to the boundaries of predictive safety science with our mission in mind. We are also committed to the application of the 3Rs principles and to the implementation of New Alternative Methodologies (NAMs) in preclinical safety assessment.

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:

For our global investigative toxicology efforts we are looking for a strong Leader with focus on Investigative Toxicology. Activities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading our global  investigative toxicology efforts with operations in Boston, Paris and Montpellier and with Senior Scientific Advisors serving as global safety experts in various toxicology disciplines based in multiple countries (France, US and Germany); develop/evolve strategy, ensure alignment and rationalization of activities across sites; ensure reaching out to internal and external ecosystem to develop/maintain networks and ensure access to appropriate methodologies/vendors; reach to other functions in R&D (Translational Medicine Unit, Research and Development) to share technologies / use synergies as applicable. Advice Preclinical Safety Project teams reps on building investigative toxicology strategy / review given strategies to progress projects successful overcoming challenges or rationale termination.

• Reporting to global Head PCS and Member of the global Leadership Team.

• Manage Senior Scientific Advisors globally.

• Strongly interact with Heads of Research Projects and Development projects

• Develop together innovative solutions and research proposals to pursue cutting edge science and technologies in order to optimize and influence translational safety assessment of novel drug targets.

• Facilitate and promote the use of new alternative methods (NAMs) in preclinical safety regulatory and non-regulatory testing.

• Serve globally as internal expert for discovery and development projects and design project-specific strategies to predict, assess and mitigate target- and modality-related safety risks and execute through internal and external experimental capabilities.

• Engage with experts across the organization to ensure that teams are able to make the right decisions regarding the translational safety risks associated with the project.

• Continuously interact with multiple R&D functions (TMU departments, Research and Development TAs, Research Platforms, etc ..) to identify opportunities to collaborate and utilize technologies across R&D more efficiently.

• Participate in special projects or inter-industry working groups, as needed.  Provide scientific input on design and analysis of research activities and contribute to Sanofi Outreach activities.

• Ensure high scientific standards / adhering to requested timelines in all aspects of the position.

• Supervision / Development of laboratory staff and global experts.

About You

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD or DVM and post-doctoral experience in toxicology, biochemistry, pharmacology, cell biology or systems biology. In addition, the candidate should have knowledge in biochemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, biology, physiology, and pathology.

• Solid understanding of the drug discovery and development process based on more than 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical industry in nonclinical drug safety and investigative toxicology.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience investigating molecular mechanisms of drug action is critical.

• Experience with the design and execution of in vitro/in vivo experiments to determine the effects of therapeutics on biological systems, with line of sight to human safety risk understanding.

• Knowledgeable about regulatory nonclinical testing requirements for pharmaceutical development of biologics and small molecules.

• Strong leadership competencies (as direct manager and transversal leader in a global and complex environment) and demonstrated experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Highly motivated, creative, innovative, reliable scientist, with a flexible, collaborative, team-oriented mindset, who solves problems in a goal-focused fashion.

• A social personality that contributes to an open, positive, collaborative working climate.

• Strong communication, presentation and influencing skills across levels/disciplines.

• DABT certification and experience as GLP Study Director is preferred, but not required.

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.

PursueProgress. Discover Extraordinary.

Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science - where your growth can be just as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and do what’s never-been-done-before. You’ll help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions that reach the communities we serve. Ready to chase the miracles of science and improve people’s lives? Let’s Pursue Progress and Discover Extraordinary – together.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. 

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