Associate Counsel, Discovery and Research

The Role

The Associate Counsel – Discovery and Research will be a key member of Moderna’s Legal team, providing pragmatic, business-oriented legal support across discovery and research, public health initiatives, and business development activities that collectively advance Moderna’s scientific and strategic objectives. This role will serve as a trusted partner to Moderna’s scientists, business development professionals, and public health collaborators, helping to structure and execute agreements that accelerate innovation and global impact.
The Associate Counsel will have a balanced portfolio supporting discovery and research, public health contracting, and business development initiatives that advance Moderna’s scientific and strategic objectives.
The successful candidate will apply sound judgment, scientific curiosity, and business acumen in a fast-paced environment, leveraging AI-enabled tools and data-driven insights to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and foster innovation across the legal function.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Provide comprehensive legal support for Moderna’s discovery and research teams, including advising on collaborations, sponsored research, and other R&D-related activities.

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts supporting both internal research efforts and external partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and collaborators.

• Advise on and support public health contracts and initiatives, including agreements with government agencies, global health partners, and non-profit organizations that advance Moderna’s mission to improve global health.

• Support legal strategy and contracting on complex collaborations, joint ventures, investments, and licensing transactions, ensuring alignment with Moderna’s broader business and scientific goals.

• Partner with teams across our organization and provide strategic guidance for the development and expansion of pre-clinical and clinical assets, acting as an enterprise connector to ensure consistency and compliance.

• Support the creation and continuous improvement of templates, playbooks, and contract processes, integrating AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

• Manage a diverse portfolio of agreements, balancing multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and adherence to internal policies.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal clients, serving as a responsive, solutions-oriented legal partner.

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

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice in good standing.

• 4–7 years of relevant experience in a law firm and/or in-house legal department, preferably within the life sciences, biotechnology, or public health sectors.

• Strong experience with research-related and collaboration contracts; familiarity with government or public health contracting a plus.

• Demonstrated ability to provide clear, practical legal advice that balances business goals with compliance and risk mitigation.

• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues.

• Curiosity about scientific innovation and comfort working with technical subject matter.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Commitment to collaboration, integrity, and client service.

• Interest in digital transformation and familiarity with AI-enabled legal tools or data-driven process improvements.

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 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 [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.

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