Lead Data Scientist

Sanofi US; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 174,000 - 292,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global health company is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to drive AI innovations in Toronto. You will lead the development and deployment of scalable AI solutions, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create measurable business impact. The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in AI/ML and strong communication skills, with a salary range of $125,300.00 - $208,800.00, benefits included.

Benefits

Flexible home office policy

Career development opportunities

Attractive salary and benefits

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in applied AI/ML, with 2+ years in GenAI.
• Deep understanding of end-to-end AI/Gen-AI lifecycle management.
• Experience in production-ready model and software development.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of AI solutions.
• Collaborate with teams to deliver GenAI products.
• Mentor and coach junior data scientists and interns.

Skills

Applied AI/ML experience

Strong coding skills (Python)

NLP tools knowledge

Cloud platforms experience

Agile/Scrum experience

Education

PhD or Master’s in relevant field

Tools

AI libraries (Transformers, LangChain)

Database knowledge (Snowflake, Pinecone)

Job description

Overview

Reference No. R2811633

Position Title: Lead Data Scientist

Department: Commercial Data Science

Location: Downtown Toronto, ON (Hybrid - 3 days a week onsite)

Sanofi’s Digital organization is transforming Sanofi into a data-first and AI-first company by empowering everyone with good data. The team builds AI products on world-class data foundations and platforms to create value across markets, R&D, and manufacturing. The team operates from hubs including Toronto, Paris, Lyon, Barcelona, Cambridge, Bridgewater, and others.

We are seeking a highly skilled and visionary Lead Data Scientist to drive innovation at the intersection of AI and Commercial Pharma operations. This role is part of the Digital Commercial Advanced Analytics and AI team and supports Sanofi Digital Organization.

About You

Required Qualifications:

• PhD or Master’s in computer science, AI/ML, mathematics, physics, computational linguistics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in applied AI/ML, with 2+ years hands-on in GenAI or LLM-based applications and familiarity with agentic AI frameworks.
• Strong coding skills (Python required; Java a plus) with experience using AI libraries (e.g., Transformers, LangChain, RAG pipelines).
• General knowledge of NLP tools like regex and fuzzy string matching.
• Proficiency with diverse data assets (structured and unstructured) hosted in different databases (e.g., Snowflake, Pinecone).
• Understanding of agentic workflows, prompt engineering, and orchestration of multi-step AI processes; experience creating and deploying code libraries in Python within an AI product-focused, Agile environment.
• Experience in production-ready model and software development.
• Deep understanding of end-to-end AI/Gen-AI lifecycle management.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and native ML/GenAI tools for building AI solutions.
• Experience with various enterprise APIs.
• Knowledge of regulatory, compliance, and ethical considerations in AI/GenAI.
• Nice to have Agile/Scrum experience and familiarity with Jira & Confluence.

Functional Skills:

• Ability to communicate AI concepts to business stakeholders in non-technical terms and interpret feedback from the business.
• Experience leading data science and AI projects, mentoring junior data scientists and data analysts.
• Identify and manage blockers, risks, and interdependencies across Agile teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, business analysis, data visualization, and data storytelling skills.
• Experience in life sciences/healthcare and in a complex global organization is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate in multi-cultural global teams and adapt in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Fluent in English; other languages are a plus.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead design, development, and deployment of scalable AI, GenAI, and agentic AI solutions aligned with strategic priorities across Sanofi’s Global Business Units.
• Directly contribute to the digital transformation of commercial functions with impactful use cases such as:
• • Autonomous agents for omnichannel engagement
  • AI & GenAI-driven transformation of market access and payer strategies
  • Conversational AI for data interactions and insights (Talk-to-data capabilities)
  • Development of a unified platform for sales, marketers, and MSL users powered by multi-agent systems
  • Enhancing the patient journey through intelligent and personalized support
• Collaborate with product owners, business stakeholders, data scientists, and engineering teams to deliver GenAI products that create measurable business value.
• Provide input to shape the digital Commercial AI strategy and influence AI platform and data foundation strategies.
• Communicate effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences; ensure AI solutions comply with the responsible AI framework.
• Adhere to best practices and standards for GenAI/Agentic AI processes (including documentation) and code development.
• Stay up to date with evolving GenAI and Agentic AI landscapes; bring in best practices and tools to enhance solutions.
• Publish whitepapers and patents on AI innovation in the commercial space.
• Mentor and coach junior data scientists and interns.

Why Choose Us

• International work environment with opportunities to develop talent and innovation within a collaborative team.
• Attractive, market-oriented salary and benefits.
• Flexible home office policy, up to 40% of time from home; ability to schedule office days.
• Collective life and accident insurance.
• Rewards package that recognizes contribution and impact.
• Exposure to training and certification pathways for AWS, Snowflake, Informatica, and others.
• Structured onboarding with a dedicated buddy during the first weeks.
• Career path and purposeful development within Sanofi.

This position is currently open for recruitment.

EEO and Additional Information

Sanofi is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. Accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request during the recruitment process.

North America Applicants Only

Salary range: $125,300.00 - $208,800.00. All compensation will be determined based on experience. Benefits information available via the company portal.