Senior Medical Director, Platform Translational Medicine

The Role

Moderna’s LNP/mRNA platform has achieved unprecedented impact with rapid development and deployment of vaccines. Beyond vaccines, the platform opens the door to innovative therapeutic strategies. Exploratory Clinical Studies will add critical information to unlock the full therapeutic potential of LNP/mRNA approaches and to enable further platform optimization.

The Senior Medical Director, Platform Translational Medicine is a critical member of the global Therapeutics & Oncology Development organization, based in Cambridge, US, and reports to the Head of Translational Clinical Trials. In this role, you will support and drive platform-focused translational clinical work, advance our mRNA platform knowledge and optimization, and be a catalyst for cross-TA and cross-departmental dialogue and collaboration. Significant cross-geographical collaboration is required.

The successful candidate will be experienced in leading translational clinical work, self-motivated, driven by scientific curiosity, and thrives in a highly collaborative environment. This is a unique opportunity to further shape the therapeutic application of a new modality.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Platform focused Clinical Translational Work

  • Collaborate across the organization to design and implement translational clinical studies to enhance mRNA translational knowledge and impact clinical projects across Therapeutic Areas

  • Translate scientific questions into clinical translational study designs and manage interactions with vendors during preparation and execution (e.g. Nucleus Network, Bellberry, 360 Biolabs).

  • Analyze and interpret emerging clinical data within a cross functional network and communicate key insights across the organization.

• Platform Strategy and Optimization:

  • Lead and/or participate in shaping the platform focused translational strategy in cross-functional teams in both internal and academic-collaborative settings.

  • Serve as a key interface to both internal teams and external stakeholders.

• Project Management and Collaboration:

  • Identify key platform translational knowledge gaps and propose high-priority projects and collaborations.

  • Implement and monitor projects to ensure progress in internal and academic-collaborative projects.

• Scientific and Clinical Leadership:

  • Explore novel clinical endpoints in collaboration with key vendors and academic groups to enable rapid execution of innovative clinical studies.

  • Provide expert planning and analysis of clinical and biomarker data from exploratory translational clinical trials.

  • Support local and global Moderna clinical translational efforts as needed.

• Relationship Building:

  • Establish and maintain relationships with key academic collaborators through regular check-ins and discussions.

  • Facilitate interactions for therapeutic area-focused clinical efforts in Australia and for other emerging geographies.

• Global Translational Medicine Team Participation:

  • Lead/Contribute to optimization of the Moderna process and structure to effectively promote platform translational data- and knowledge-flow between TAs and Departments, advocating for a platform-focused translational mindset.

• Additional duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table

• Education and Experience:

  • MD/PharmD/PhD with 9+ years of experience in the design, conduct and medical/scientific leadership of translational/clinical pharmacology studies in biotech or pharmaceutical industries.

  • In depth knowledge of clinical regulatory requirements, ICH and GCP guidelines.

  • Experience in the Non-clinical/pre-clinical research in biotech or pharma preferred

  • Clinical or Non-clinical experience with LNP/mRNA modality preferred

• Technical Skills:

  • Strong understanding of the drug discovery process and non-clinical models used for human PK/PD projections.

  • Experience developing testable translational hypotheses and integrating translational approaches in the clinic.

  • Expertise in use and interpretation clinical biomarkers and imaging techniques for evaluation of PK/PD/efficacy/tolerability in humans.

• Leadership and Communication:

  • Experience in strategic and operational matrix team leadership and industry/academic collaborations.

  • Proven ability to rapidly adjust work priorities based on emerging company needs.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.

  • Ability to produce and present high-quality scientific presentations at internal or external meetings.

• Personal Attributes:

  • Thrive in a fast-moving, data-driven environment with the ability to prioritize work independently.

  • Creative and collaborative problem-solving skills.

  • Flexibility and willingness to work with global teams across multiple time zones.

  • Ability to travel to clinical and research sites in Australia and conferences (up to 20% time).

• 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%.

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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