The Role
Moderna is seeking a strategic and deeply mechanistic Director, Cancer Vaccine Research to support our clinical-stage therapeutic cancer vaccine portfolio, including intismeran and other advancing cancer antigen therapy programs.
A central focus of this role is to deepen our understanding of how the mRNA-based cancer vaccine platform elicits tumor control in humans. Through rigorous, hypothesis-driven investigation, you will guide efforts to dissect immune mechanisms leveraging preclinical models to strengthen the scientific foundations of our programs in development.
This career opportunity will allow you to lead the team responsible for addressing critical pharmacology questions emerging from clinical studies, using in vitro and disease-relevant preclinical models to interrogate antigen-specific T cell dynamics, immune activation pathways, tumor–immune interactions, and mechanisms of response and resistance.
In close partnership with Clinical Development, Regulatory, CMC, and Program teams, you will ensure that mechanistic insights are thoughtfully generated and integrated into program strategy and regulatory narratives for both current and future programs.
As a member of the CVBR Leadership Team, you will also contribute to broader scientific prioritization, talent development, and functional strategy within Cancer Vaccines Research.
This role is designed for a leader who combines mechanistic depth with systems-level thinking and who is motivated to connect platform biology to meaningful clinical outcomes.
Here’s What You’ll Do
- Define and lead the mechanistic research strategy supporting clinical-stage cancer vaccine programs, focused on understanding how the mRNA platform drives tumor control in patients.
- Design and oversee rigorous in vitro and disease-relevant preclinical studies to interrogate antigen-specific T cell responses, immune activation pathways, tumor–immune interactions, mechanisms of response and resistance, and scientific rationale for combination strategies.
- Integrate mechanistic findings with emerging clinical data to refine development hypotheses and strengthen program-level scientific narratives.
- Serve as a key scientific representative for Research in cross-functional regulatory teams, authoring and contributing to IND submissions, amendments, briefing books, and health authority responses.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team while contributing to CVBR leadership discussions on scientific standards and portfolio priorities.
- Represent Moderna in internal governance forums, external alliances, and scientific venues, articulating mechanistic rationale and platform strategy.
Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
- PhD or MD/PhD in immunology, tumor immunology, or a related field.
- 9+ years of industry or applied research experience in immuno-oncology, including leadership of mechanistic research supporting development-stage assets.
- Deep expertise in immune activation biology, antigen processing and presentation, T cell function, and tumor–immune interactions.
- Demonstrated experience designing mechanistic studies that inform clinical-stage therapeutic development.
- Substantial experience serving as a scientific author for regulatory submissions (e.g., INDs, amendments, briefing books) and contributing to health authority responses.
- Proven ability to operate effectively in complex cross-functional environments, building trusted partnerships across Research, Clinical Development, Regulatory, and CMC to drive aligned program outcomes.
- Experience leading and developing high-performing scientific teams.
- Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to distill complex mechanistic data for cross-functional and external stakeholders.
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)
- Expertise developing mRNA-LNP therapeutics, including cancer vaccines, is highly desirable.
- Experience engaging with external partners or alliance teams, representing scientific strategy and data in cross-organizational settings.
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 $167,000.00 - $300,700.00. 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. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.
