The Role
Moderna is pioneering the development of mRNA-based cancer vaccines, and we are seeking a Director of Translational Research to join our Cancer Vaccine Research team. This role is critical in ensuring an efficient and seamless transition between preclinical research and clinical development, working closely with the Translational Medicine and Clinical Biomarker teams to define and execute translational strategies and drive early biomarker discovery for preclinical oncology programs. The successful candidate will design and implement translational research strategies to support the progression of our innovative cancer vaccines, ensuring that cutting-edge scientific discoveries are effectively translated into clinical applications.
Here’s What You’ll Do
Lead a preclinical translational research group to perform forward and reverse translation to inform indication/patient selection, identify mechanisms of resistance, correlates of responsiveness and explore combination strategies for cancer vaccines.
Oversee the design and interpretation of translational pre-clinical studies specific to cancer vaccines, including in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo experiments.
Collaborate with Preclinical Program teams, Translational Medicine and Clinical Biomarker teams to define and implement comprehensive translational strategies and guide early biomarker discovery for preclinical oncology programs.
Provide deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience on immune monitoring technologies, including IHC, image-based assays, NGS, immunophenotyping, and emerging techniques such as cell-free DNA assessments.
Oversee relationships with CROs and internal labs to ensure the timely completion of assay development, qualification, and validation studies, delivering high-quality data for translational research projects.
Contribute to the preparation of regulatory submissions, scientific publications, and presentations, effectively communicating translational research outcomes.
Foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including research, clinical, business development and regulatory teams focused on cancer vaccines.
Act as a key scientific liaison between internal teams and external partners, including academic institutions, CROs, and industry collaborators in the oncology space.
Mentor and develop junior scientists within the cancer vaccine research team, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and continuous learning.
Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., immunology, oncology, molecular biology) with a minimum of 9 years of experience in translational research within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, preferably in cancer vaccines or immunotherapy.
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%.
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)
Proven track record of advancing therapeutic candidates, particularly in cancer immunotherapy or vaccines, from discovery through clinical development.
Strong understanding of the drug development process, including preclinical models, biomarker development, and clinical trial design specific to cancer vaccines.
Experience with regulatory submissions and interactions with health authorities is highly desirable.
Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple cancer vaccine projects simultaneously.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams.
Experience effectively managing and developing direct reports
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey complex scientific information related to cancer vaccines to a variety of audiences.
A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals is preferred, particularly in the field of cancer immunotherapy or vaccines.
A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.
Moderna is pleased to provide you and your family with a comprehensive and innovative suite of benefits, including:
- Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
- Lifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activities
- Family care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoring
- Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
- Exclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipment
- Adoption and family-planning benefits
- Dedicated care coordination support for our LGBTQ+ community
- Generous paid time off, including:
• Vacation, sick time and holidays
• Volunteer time to participate within your community
• Discretionary year-end shutdown
• Paid sabbatical after 5 years; every 3 years thereafter - Generous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents
- 401k match and Financial Planning tools
- Moderna-paid Life, LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit options
- Complimentary concierge service including home services research, travel booking, and entertainment requests
- Free parking or subsidized commuter passes
- 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 proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.
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 also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity are critical to the success of our company and our impact on society. We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees and believe that by cultivating diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we can provide an environment where every employee is able to 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. (EEO/AAP Employer)
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