Senior Distinguished Scientist, Head Digital Toxicology Germany

About the job

As Head of the Toxicology Innovation group in Germany, you will shape the future of computational toxicology at Sanofi — leading a multidisciplinary team of scientists to harness the power of AI, machine learning, and quantitative systems toxicology (QST) modeling to accelerate drug development and improve patient safety. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, you will be in Sanofi's Preclinical Safety department, driving digital transformation in close collaboration with in vitro innovation, and building the AI-ready infrastructure that connects toxicology to the broader R&D AI priorities and ecosystem. Ready to get started?

Sanofi's Preclinical Safety department is a global, science-driven organization committed to delivering innovative, data-informed safety assessments that support the development of life-changing medicines. The Global Toxicology Innovation group sits at the intersection of computational science, biology, and drug development — pioneering new approaches to toxicity prediction, mechanistic understanding, and clinical translatability.

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:

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of heterogeneous computational toxicology scientists, managing both scientific resources and the strategic growth of the team's capabilities and business impact
• Drive development and application of AI/ML and Quantitative Systems Toxicology (QST) modeling for toxicity issue resolution and clinical translatability, working in close collaboration with in vitro and in vivo teams, project toxicologists, and scientific advisors
• Integrate digital tools and platforms to improve operational efficiency across Preclinical Safety workflows, enabling faster, smarter, and more reproducible science
• Build an AI-ready data and digital foundation that connects toxicology data and insights to other disciplines across R&D, enabling cross-functional collaboration and data-driven decision-making
• Modernize the Digital Toxicology Toolkit to support a productive and competitive Research & Development pipeline, ensuring tools are fit-for-purpose, validated, and aligned with regulatory expectations
• Champion Digital Toxicology capabilities across all levels of PCS through education, training, and advocacy — fostering a culture of digital fluency and innovation
• Collaborate closely with the PCS Digital and Business Strategy Scientific Expert at the interface to the Global Computational and AI Strategy,  to align digital toxicology initiatives to Sanofi's enterprise-wide AI and computational science priorities
• Define roles, upskilling pathways, and individual development plans for the Digital Toxicology team, ensuring scientists are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving AI-driven landscape

About You

To succeed in this role, you will bring a rare combination of deep scientific expertise, leadership experience, and a passion for digital innovation in drug development:

• Scientific expertise: Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Toxicology, Computational biology/chemistry, Pharmacology, Cheminformatics, or a related discipline, with a strong track record in computational toxicology or quantitative systems toxicology modeling in a pharmaceutical or biotech setting

• Technical skills: Hands-on experience with AI/ML model development, mathematical (QST) modeling, and integration of computational tools into drug discovery and development workflows; familiarity with regulatory frameworks for in silico methods (e.g., ICH M7, OECD guidelines)

• Leadership & people management: Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop diverse, multidisciplinary scientific teams; experience defining team strategy, managing resources, and building individual development plans

• Cross-functional collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively across in vitro, in vivo, and project teams (discovery/clinical), as well as with digital and data science functions; strong stakeholder management skills

• Strategic mindset: Understanding of how preclinical safety data translates to human safety, ability to translate scientific vision into actionable roadmaps, connect digital toxicology to broader R&D strategy

• Communication & influence: Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (German is a plus); communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences at all organizational levels, ability to educate, advocate, and build consensus around digital innovation

• Languages: Fluency in English required; German is an advantage

Why Choose Us?

• Cutting-edge science: Work at the forefront of AI-powered drug development, shaping how toxicology is practiced globally

• Global impact: Lead a team with international reach, collaborating across Sanofi's worldwide R&D network

• Innovation culture: Be part of Sanofi's bold transformation into an AI-first biopharma company

• Collaborative environment: Partner with world-class scientists, digital experts, and business leaders across disciplines

• Career growth: Access to Sanofi's global learning ecosystem, leadership development programs, and SkillsPower upskilling platform

• Frankfurt hub: Join a vibrant scientific community in one of Europe's leading life sciences locations

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