Director, Translational Research Sequencing Technologies

The Role

In this role, you will envision and lead the execution of the strategy to harness advanced sequencing technologies, to drive translational research across diverse therapeutic areas, including cancer vaccines, immuno-oncology, and immune therapeutics targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Leveraging your deep expertise in state-of-the-art DNA and RNA sequencing platforms, you will design, implement, and interpret sequencing-based analyses to support both clinical and preclinical initiatives. You will lead a small, highly skilled team, fostering collaboration and innovation to ensure impactful delivery of sequencing insights. Additionally, you will partner closely with key stakeholders in the research and clinical development organizations including molecular pathology, biomarker discovery and bioinformatics, to ensure seamless integration of sequencing data into the broader development strategy. This role provides a unique opportunity to help shape Moderna’s translational research vision, utilizing sequencing insights to propel pipeline advancements and enable forward and reverse translation to enhance therapeutic impact across diverse therapeutic areas of the portfolio.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Drive the evaluation, adoption, and optimization of emerging sequencing technologies to enhance Moderna's translational research capabilities.

• Oversee the design and execution of sequencing experiments, including ctDNA, cfDNA, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and other relevant platforms, for biomarker discovery, patient stratification, and therapeutic development.

• Interpret complex sequencing datasets to inform decision-making and shape therapeutic hypotheses in oncology, immuno-oncology, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases.

• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across cross-functional teams to translate sequencing insights into actionable strategies.

• Manage external collaborations and partnerships with vendors, academic institutions, and other organizations to expand technical expertise and access resources.

• Maintain compliance with regulatory and quality standards for clinical and translational research.

• Foster an environment of scientific innovation and continuous learning within your team and the broader organization.

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

• PhD or MD/PhD in immunology, immune-oncology, oncology, or a related field.

• 10+ years of experience in cancer immunotherapy, autoimmune therapeutics or vaccine development in industrial settings.

• Proven track record of successfully leading and mentoring a high-performing team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

• Evidence of leading strategies that leverage sequencing technologies to evaluate mechanisms of action or resistance and/or drive decisions in clinical programs

• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple cancer vaccine projects simultaneously.

• A passion for innovation and the mission of developing transformative medicines in the fight against cancer and autoimmune diseases

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Extensive hands-on experience with advanced sequencing technologies, including ctDNA, cfDNA, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), next-generation sequencing (NGS) and related platforms, as well as a proven ability to deploy these technologies in translational research driving immuno-oncology or autoimmune therapeutics development.

• Fluency in bioinformatics tools, workflows, and analysis pipelines relevant to the interpretation of sequencing data, enabling effective collaboration with computational scientists and integration of insights into the broader research framework.

• Experience in executing and analyze immune cell phenotypes using multicolor flow cytometry and relevant software packages.

• A strong understanding of drug development, experience contributing to regulatory submissions and interactions with health authorities are highly desirable.

• Exceptional ability to work across diverse teams and disciplines, effectively communicating complex scientific concepts to non-specialist audiences and aligning stakeholders on translational objectives.

• Strong publication record, with the ability to present complex scientific data to both internal and external audiences.

• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

• This role is based in our new LEED-certified HQ in Cambridge, MA and is expected to be in office 70% of the time with flexibility to work from home up to 30%.

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. 

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. 

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. 

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment. 

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 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 an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 

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].  (EEO Employer)  

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