Data Science Lead – GenAI

Reference No. R2765928​

Position Title: Data Science Lead – GenAI​

Department: Data Science ​

Location: Toronto, Ontario​

About the Job

Sanofi is a pioneering global healthcare company committed to advancing the miracles of science to enhance the well-being of individuals worldwide. Operating in over 100 countries, our dedicated team is focused on reshaping the landscape of medicine, transforming the seemingly impossible into reality. We strive to provide life-changing treatment options and life-saving vaccines, placing sustainability and social responsibility at the forefront of our aspirations. 

 

Embarking on an expansive digital transformation journey, Sanofi is committed to accelerating its data transformation and embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions. This strategic initiative aims to expedite research and development, enhance manufacturing processes, elevate commercial performance, and deliver superior drugs and vaccines to patients faster, ultimately improving global health and saving lives. 

Main Responsibilities:

This role demands a dynamic and collaborative individual with a strong technical background, capable of leading the development and deployment of advanced machine learning solutions (especially GenAI related models) while maintaining a focus on meeting business objectives and adhering to industry best practices. Key highlights include: 

 

Model Design and Development: 

• Lead the design and development of custom Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Large Language Model (LLM) components for both batch and stream processing-based AI ML pipelines. 

• Oversee the creation of model components, including data ingestion, preprocessing, search and retrieval, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), and fine-tuning, ensuring alignment with technical and business requirements. 

Collaborative Development: 

• Work closely with data engineer, ML Ops, software engineers and other team Tech team members to collaboratively design, develop, and implement ML model solutions, fostering a cross-functional and innovative environment. 

 

Model Evaluation: 

• Collaborate with other data science team members to develop, validate, and maintain robust evaluation solutions and tools for assessing model performance, accuracy, consistency, and reliability during development and User Acceptance Testing (UAT). 

• Implement model optimizations to enhance system efficiency based on evaluation results. 

 

Model Deployment: 

• Work closely with the MLOps team to facilitate the deployment of ML, NLP, LLM, and Gen AI models into production environments, ensuring reliability, scalability, and seamless integration with existing systems. 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of deployment strategies for NLP, LLM, and Gen AI models. 

 

Internal Collaboration: 

• Collaborate closely with product teams, business stakeholders, data science team members to ensure the smooth integration of machine learning models into production systems. 

• Foster strong communication channels and cooperation across different teams for successful project outcomes. 

 

Problem Solving: 

• Proactively troubleshoot complex issues related to machine learning model development and data pipelines. 

• Innovatively develop solutions to overcome challenges, contributing to continuous improvement in model performance and system efficiency. 

 

 

About You:

As a dynamic Data Science Lead, you are passionate about challenging the status quo and ensuring the development and impact of Sanofi’s AI solutions for the patients of tomorrow. You are an influential leader with hands-on experience deploying AI/ML and GenAI solutions, applying state-of-the-art algorithms with technically robust lifecycle management. Your keen eye for improvement opportunities and demonstrated ability to deliver solutions in cross-functional environments make you an invaluable asset to our team. 

Key Functional Requirements & Qualifications: 

Education and experience: 

• PhD in mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics, statistics, economics, operation research or a related quantitative discipline with strong coding skills, OR Master’s Degree in relevant domain with 5+ years of data science experience 

• 3+ years developing NLP models, including transformer architectures. 

• 3+ years implementing information search and retrieval at scale. 

Technical skills: 

• Hands-on experience with LLMs (GPT, Claude) and common platforms. 

• Knowledge of Vector Databases and developing RAG applications. 

• Disciplined AI/ML development, including CI/CD and orchestration 

• Cloud and high-performance computing proficiency (AWS, GCP, Databricks, Apache Spark) 

• Experience deploying models in agile, product-focused environments 

Communication and collaboration: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication, business analysis, data visualization and data storytelling skills 

• A demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional team (e.g. business, product and digital) 

Team management: 

• Demonstrated experience of managing technical build and development teams required 

 

Preferred qualifications: 

• Experience working in the technology industry or tech consulting 

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.

Sanofi is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants.  Accommodations for persons with disabilities required during the recruitment process are available upon request.​

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Pursue progress, discover extraordinary

Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.

At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, ability or gender identity.

Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!