The Role
Moderna is a candidate to join our Cancer Vaccines & Bioinformatics Research organization, providing scientific and enterprise leadership for mechanistic immunology research in support of clinical-stage therapeutic cancer vaccine programs. This role focuses on defining how Moderna’s mRNA platform technologies engage and shape anti-tumor immunity through in vitro and preclinical studies led within this team, with study design and prioritization guided by available human translational insights to help elucidate vaccine activity, resistance mechanisms, and/or tumor–immune dynamics.
In this role, the Senior Director will apply mechanistic insights generated from preclinical models and emerging human data to help shape the vision and direction for next-generation product concepts, working in close partnership with colleagues in Oncology Bioinformatics, Translational Research, and Translational Medicine. The role further requires envisioning and directing the generation of preclinical evidence needed to support regulatory filings and/or new product concepts to enable data-driven updates to clinical strategies. This position will interface closely with Clinical Development, Regulatory, Translational Research, CMC, and Program teams to ensure that mechanistic questions central to vaccine performance are actively pursued and integrated into the broader development narrative.
As a senior scientific voice within the organization, the role requires strong executive presence and the ability to represent Research in clinical program governance (including intismeran), portfolio reviews, and enterprise-level strategic discussions. The Senior Director is expected to role model effective leadership behaviors, embody Moderna’s leadership mindsets, and serve as a cultural ambassador who fosters trust, collaboration, and scientific excellence across the organization.
Success in this role requires a mechanistically driven immunologist with deep experience in immune-oncology, a strong foundation in platform and systems-level thinking, and a demonstrated track record of authoring and supporting successful regulatory filings (including INDs, CTAs, and BLAs) and engaging effectively in health authority interactions. The ideal candidate brings a proven ability to lead teams executing rigorous, hypothesis-driven research while translating mechanistic insights into clear, credible regulatory and development narratives. The Senior Director will lead and develop a high-performing, high-impact team while also operating effectively beyond formal reporting lines - building bridges across functions, influencing program direction, and ensuring mechanistic insights are embedded into development strategy, regulatory narratives.
Here’s What You’ll Do
- Develop and execute the plan to define how the mRNA/LNP platform interfaces with the immune system to effect tumor control in support of clinical-stage therapeutic cancer vaccine programs, with accountability for in vitro and preclinical data generation and interpretation.
- Translate mechanistic insights from preclinical experiments into clear implications for clinical program strategy, differentiation, and risk assessment.
- Represent Research as a senior scientific leader within INT program governance, portfolio reviews, and other cross-program decision-making forums.
- Contribute scientifically to mechanistic components of IND, CTA, and BLA submissions, including direct engagement in health authority interactions.
- Partner closely with Oncology Bioinformatics, Translational Research, Translational Medicine, Clinical Development, Regulatory, CMC, and Program teams to ensure mechanistic insights are integrated into development and regulatory narratives.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team while influencing effectively across the matrix to shape long-term platform and pipeline evolution.
Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
- PhD or MD/PhD in immunology, tumor immunology, or a closely related field.
- 11+ years of industry or applied research experience in immuno-oncology
- Deep expertise in the biology of immune activation/T cell function/tumor immunology / immune oncology, with demonstrated experience translating mechanistic insights into development strategies.
- Proven track record of senior level leadership in a matrixed biopharma environment, including influence across Research, CMC, Translational, Clinical, and Regulatory functions.
- Demonstrated ability to envision and lead complex, cross-functional scientific initiatives with multiple stakeholders and tight timelines.
- Direct experience supporting regulatory filings (e.g., INDs, briefing books, HA responses), including development of regulatory strategy as well as authorship and review of documents.
- Track record of integrating mechanistic insights into development-stage decision-making.
- Demonstrated success in leading and high-performing teams while fostering both scientific excellence and leadership development.
- A leadership style rooted in empowerment, high expectations, and collaborative mentorship.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill complex mechanistic findings for cross-functional and external stakeholders.
- A drive to contribute meaningfully to the development of transformative precision immunotherapies for patients.
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)
- Expertise developing mRNA-LNP therapeutics, including cancer vaccines, is highly desirable.
Pay & Benefits
At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
- Best-in-class healthcare coverage, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
- A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
- Family planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
- Savings and investment opportunities to help you plan for the future
- Location-specific perks and extras
The salary range for this role is $196,700.00 - $353,400.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.
About Moderna
Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.
By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities.
We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S.
If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.
Our Working Model
As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.
Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.
Equal Opportunities
Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!
Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Accommodations
We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best.
Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.
Export Control Notice This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Only U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are currently eligible to access such information without an export license. Candidates who do not meet these criteria may still be considered, contingent on the company’s ability to obtain any required export control license.
