R&D
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Distinguished Scientist, Head of Investigative Toxicology US
At a glance
Bring your curiosity to a team where deep immunoscience meets cutting-edge innovation. Across oncology, rare diseases, neurology, and vaccines, you’ll work at the intersection of lab science and AI-powered discovery — all while collaborating across boundaries to turn breakthrough ideas into real-world impact. Whether you want to deepen your scientific expertise or grow as a leader, you’ll find the opportunity here.
Job Title: Distinguished Scientist, Head of Investigative Toxicology US
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.
The incumbent will be responsible for oversight and management of the Investigative Toxicology laboratory in the US and execution of strategies to strengthen and evolve liver and immune-related safety assessment, incorporating microphysiological systems (MPS) where needed. This candidate will ensure that Sanofi employs an evolving, innovative strategy for assessing liver and immune-related risks that align with regulatory guidance and scientific practice. This role will involve direct supervision of laboratory colleagues and/or lab heads working transversally with colleagues within PCS and across Sanofi sites, and external vendors, to provide project support and drive collaboration. This role will also be responsible for leading efforts and devising strategies to manage safety issues relevant to molecules at all stages of the Research and Development portfolio, and providing subject matter expertise related to liver safety. Participation in external consortia and representing Sanofi at relevant scientific venues is also an important component of this role.
Terms of employment
Occasional domestic and international travel to Sanofi Research and Development sites (e.g Paris, France; Frankfurt, Germany) and scientific meetings. Availability to start in 1Q2026.
What makes this position unique?
The candidate will be part of an established highly effective Investigative Toxicology group at Sanofi and have opportunity to manage a laboratory and help shape and guide research in the toxicology field, particularly with respect to liver safety assessment and application of MPS models. There is also the opportunity to learn and grow in the immunotoxicology area. There is tremendous opportunity for innovation within the role, and the global scope will provide the candidate with a rich, diverse work experience.
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
Supervise and manage colleagues in the US Investigative Toxicology group, including performance assessment and development planning; provide mentorship and guidance to support career growth.
Provide technical expertise in model and assay development relevant for both liver and the immune system, ensuring sufficient scientific rigor. Oversee appropriate qualification/validation plans and testing strategies, particularly for the MPS models, to ensure robust performance.
Define strategies and mechanistic experiments to understand safety issues; lead and manage execution of such strategies. Work collaboratively and transversally to ensure such strategies meet project and regulatory requirements; author reports to support inclusion of results in white papers or regulatory submissions as needed.
Provide subject matter expertise on liver safety assessment and lead liver translational safety initiatives.
Provide leadership regarding MPS models and in vitro new alternative models (NAMs) within Preclinical Safety and the broader Sanofi Research and Development organization.
Participate in external consortia or working groups to stay abreast of liver safety knowledge and trends within the scientific community, regulatory environment, and the pharmaceutical industry. Represent Sanofi interests, maintaining high ethical and scientific standards.
Author external presentations and manuscripts to contribute to scientific advancement of the toxicology field.
About You
Requirements & Qualifications
A PhD in toxicology, pharmacology, biology, engineering, or equivalent scientific discipline required, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in a pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical setting.
Knowledge and experience in liver toxicology and MPS models is required. Excellent management and leadership skills are essential.
The ability to collaborate effectively with other scientists, subject matter experts and project teams is also essential.
Experience working with immune models and immunotoxicology is a plus. Established record of scientific contribution in peer-reviewed journals and scientific symposiums.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are 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.
Be part of an active, innovative scientific group
Have diverse opportunities to collaborate on a global scale
Be highly recognized for successes
Receive excellent benefits and compensation
Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse 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.
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All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.
Pursue Progress. 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.
Watch 'One day at Sanofi' and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives at sanofi.com
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Why work with us
- Expand your horizons. Grow through curiosity, with support to move, learn, and lead in a culture that champions mentorship, mobility, and bold development.
- Accelerate results with technology. Harness the power of AI and automation to push scientific boundaries and reimagine what's possible in drug discovery.
- Impact through inclusive innovation. Help deliver better science and fairer outcomes by driving inclusive research that reaches more people, in more meaningful ways.
- Turn patient needs into breakthrough science. Drive scientific breakthroughs that start with patient needs – and end in treatments that change lives.
Meet Nils Libert, Associate Scientist
Meet Nils Libert, an Associate Scientist in Belgium, where he plays a key role in advancing groundbreaking research. Learn how his work helps drive innovation, uncover new scientific possibilities, and contribute to life-changing treatments that impact patients around the world.
"At Sanofi, we are building an R&D engine powered by the best science, digital innovation, and a commitment to transforming the lives of patients around the world."
Houman Ashrafian
EVP & Head of R&D
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