Director, Translational Medicine, Oncology

The Role

Moderna is seeking a Translational Medicine Scientist to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between preclinical research and clinical application to accelerate the development of groundbreaking mRNA-based therapies for Oncology. The Director of Translational Medicine, Oncology will be responsible for developing and leading translational strategies across one or more oncology programs, while also contributing to cross-program and portfolio-level learning. This role requires strategic scientific leadership, strong cross-functional collaboration, and clinical-translational expertise, ensuring seamless integration of preclinical insights into clinical development and regulatory execution.

Here's What You’ll Do

• Strategy Development

  • Define and drive the translational medicine strategy, including endpoint design/selection, across assigned oncology programs, from early development through pivotal stages.

  • Influence indication selection, biomarker strategy, patient stratification, dose selection, and study design at the program level.

  • Guide reverse translational approaches to inform discovery and pipeline expansion.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Serve as team leader of the translational medicine sub-team within program teams.

  • Partner with Program Leadership, Discovery, Translational Research, Clinical Development, Biomarkers, Regulatory, and other functions to ensure integrated development plans.

  • Represent Translational Medicine at program meetings, providing scientific and strategic input into key decision points.

• Execution & Delivery

  • Oversee biomarker and translational medicine contributions to study protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, and regulatory submissions (e.g., INDs/CTAs).

  • Ensure program deliverables are executed on time and to the highest scientific and regulatory standards.

  • Partner with bioinformaticians, biostatisticians and biomarker experts to ensure high-quality data collection, analysis, and interpretation to inform decision-making.

  • Provide program-level updates to senior leadership and governance committees.

• Leadership & Organizational Impact

  • Mentor and develop junior translational scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.

  • Drive cross-program learning and dissemination of best practices in Oncology Translational Medicine.

  • Support external visibility of Moderna’s oncology programs through publications, presentations, and scientific collaborations.

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

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline (Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D. or equivalent).

• 10+ years of experience in translational medicine, with a strong background in oncology.

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing translational strategies at the program level.

• Proven track record of cross-functional leadership and collaboration in a matrixed R&D environment.

• Strong understanding of biomarker discovery, validation, and clinical application; experience with emerging diagnostic and predictive technologies is highly desirable.

• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

• Evidence of external scientific contributions (publications, presentations, thought leadership).

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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. 

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 leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. 

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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