Executive Director, Therapeutics Translational Research

The Role:

Moderna is seeking a visionary scientific leader with a proven track record in translational science to serve as Executive Director, Therapeutics Translational Research. This critical leadership role will shape and drive Moderna’s translational research efforts across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas, with a key focus on Oncology, Autoimmune Diseases, and Immunology. This portfolio encompasses our Individualized Neoantigen Therapy, off-the-shelf cancer vaccines, T cell engagers, and in vivo cell therapies among other therapeutic approaches. The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure translational insights contribute to decision-making at all stages of drug discovery and development. This includes delivering clear strategies and plans to generate impactful translational data to inform product design and strategy, validate key hypotheses, and integrate clinical insights back into the platform and early pipeline. The leader will oversee a diverse team of scientists and leaders, and closely collaborate with key functions throughout the organization including Platform Sciences, Therapeutics Research, Nonclinical, Translational Medicine, Clinical Biomarkers, Regulatory and Clinical Development. They must have a proven track record of leading complex translational research initiatives in oncology, with expertise in reverse and forward translation to accelerate program development. This role requires significant dynamic range, from operational execution (e.g. optimization and implementation of cutting-edge assays) to development of translational strategies at the product and/or modality level. Direct experience with early-stage oncology clinical trials is required. 

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Set, drive and communicate the overarching vision and strategy for Therapeutics Translational Research to support Moderna’s therapeutics pipeline, spanning oncology and other therapeutic areas such as autoimmunity.

• Lead the development of translational strategies as early as in discovery, incorporating patient identification assays, disease monitoring, and proof-of-mechanism and/or pharmacodynamic readouts, to generate key value-driving and decision-making data.

• Oversee and expand key translational capabilities, including molecular pathology, sequencing technologies, and immunological assay optimization, to support robust decision-making and product differentiation.

• Deliver stage-appropriate and fit-for-purpose plans and assays for patient identification and pharmacodynamics assays for transfer to internal Clinical Biomarkers team, including the development of stage-appropriate companion diagnostics (CDx) technology to accelerate clinical entry and advancement.

• Manage a high-performing team of scientists and leaders, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence. Prioritize and allocate resources across the team to meet portfolio needs.

• Partner with key cross-functional collaborators, such as Translational Medicine and Clinical Biomarkers, to ensure seamless assay development, optimization, and execution for clinical programs.

• Represent Translational Research at senior leadership forums, governance, and external engagements, communicating key updates and aligning on strategic priorities.

• Drive innovative translational insights and learnings from clinical studies back into Research to inform and shape subsequent technology, therapeutics discovery, and early pipeline efforts.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in Immunology, Oncology, or a related field with 15+ years of industry experience, including 3+ years in senior leadership roles. 1+ years of direct experience in early clinical trials.

• Demonstrated expertise in Translational Research and/or Medicine, with deep oncology experience across preclinical and early clinical development phases and experience running internal labs.

• Proven ability to lead and grow diverse, multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration and innovation.

• Comprehensive knowledge of immunological assays and biomarkers, molecular pathology, and sequencing. Expertise with stage-appropriate CDx development, including Regulatory guidance.

• Strong leadership presence with experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders, including senior leadership, to drive strategic alignment.

• Track record of developing and executing high-impact translational strategies with measurable program outcomes.

• Outstanding organizational, communication, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for delivering on ambitious goals in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Alignment with Moderna’s core values: relentless pursuit of innovation, ownership, and collaboration.

• 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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