Associate director medicine

The Role

Moderna is seeking a Translational Medicine Scientist to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between preclinical research and clinical application to accelerate the development of groundbreaking therapies. This Translational Medicine role is focusing on next generation mRNA therapeutics in Oncology. The role will work with a cross functional team (medical directors, nonclinical and discovery research scientists, regulatory, clinical operations, biostatisticians, bioinformaticians and clinical pharmacologists) to develop translational strategies and help oversee the execution of these strategies for pre-clinical and clinical stage assets. Position is ideally based in Cambridge, MA headquarters.

Here's What You’ll Do

• Work across Research and Development to define translational medicine strategy for oncology assets, including making recommendations regarding indications, endpoints, study design, safety evaluations and dose selection.
• Identify and seek to validate novel endpoints for early (pre-POC) decision making and identify patient or target population stratification strategies to support rapid demonstration of safety and efficacy.
• Develop and lead reverse translational strategy to further inform research and development.
• Work closely with other matrix functional areas to define key aspects of the integrated development plans, including the assessment of medical need, proposal of clinical development pathways, and review of preclinical data for clinical implications.
• Collaborate with Biomarkers Lead(s) to define strategy for clinical stage programs, including design and writing, as well as authoring the biomarker sections of Investigator Brochures, Clinical Study Protocols and Reports, program documents, regulatory submissions, and responses (INDs/CTAs) as well as co-authoring, assisting, and supporting the development of publications, abstracts, and presentations.
• Partner with biostatisticians and biomarker experts to ensure high-quality data to support analysis, interpretation, and reports for internal decision-making.
• Works with program team leads to ensure efficient implementation of all key deliverables and provides frequent project status updates to the cross-functional development teams.

Here’s What You’ll Do (Basic Qualifications)

• Advanced scientific degree in a relevant scientific field (Ph.D., Pharm.D. or MD) preferred, with minimum 5 years of relevant work experience developing biomarker and translational medicine strategies.
• A strong background in Oncology, Immunology, and experience in translational medicine.
• Proficiency in emerging diagnostic and predictive biomarker technologies is a plus.
• Innovative problem-solving skills with a focus on complex scientific challenges.
• Advanced communication skills for effective negotiation and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated track record in leading cross-functional teams and work streams (e.g., translational medicine, biostatistics, regulatory, pharmacology, clinical and immunogenicity assay development)
• Understanding of the entire Oncology development process, including clinical and non-clinical study design, use of immunologic surrogates, assay development and importance of target product profile.

Impact And Influence

• This role is instrumental in shaping our translational strategies for both preclinical and clinical development programs and will have a significant impact on the success of our product pipeline.

Working Relationships

• The Clinical Translational Strategy Lead will collaborate closely with R&D, Biomarkers, Biostatistics, and other key departments to drive project success.
• Will be the leader of the translational sub team within program development teams.

Opportunities for Growth: Moderna offers a dynamic career path with opportunities for professional growth and development in an environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.

Application Instructions: To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in the role.

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 a suite of voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
• A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to personalize your well-being journey
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investment opportunities
• Location-specific perks and extras

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 [email protected]. 

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.