Research Program Manager, Discovery and Preclinical Programs

The Role
The Research Program Manager at Moderna serves as a strategic leader within assigned program teams, partnering with program, research and functional leads to collectively drive impactful program and project outcomes. This role is crucial to ensuring planning, execution, change management and delivery is integrated across complex, cross-functional teams, and that outcomes drive Moderna’s strategic objectives. The successful candidate will be pivotal in driving the advancement of our technology and portfolio of programs and delivering on our mission to bring mRNA medicines to people.

Here's What You’ll Do: 

• Strategic Planning and Alignment: Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive program plans that align with early-stage discovery and preclinical research goals, ensuring all scientific and operational activities are harmonized around key objectives.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams—including subject matter experts, researchers, and technical staff—to achieve program milestones and maintain transparency with stakeholders.

• Risk Management and Mitigation: Monitor program progress, identify potential risks, and develop strategies to maintain continuity; proactively refine timelines and deliverables to keep teams on track.

• Communication and Reporting: Prepare and facilitate regular updates, detailed reports, and presentations to inform and support Strategic Operations and Senior Leadership decision-making.

• Resource Allocation & Fiscal Responsibility: Oversee resource management processes and tools, working with functional managers to meet team resourcing needs while promoting cost-effective execution and justifying program investments.

• Process Improvement & Compliance: Continuously evolve program management processes by integrating best practices and innovative approaches tailored to dynamic research settings, ensuring all activities meet organizational standards and regulatory guidelines.

Here’s What You’ll Need: 

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences or related field (Master’s preferred), with at least 5 years of project or program management experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical settings.

• Early-Stage Research Expertise: Proven track record managing programs spanning early discovery through IND filing, backed by a comprehensive understanding of preclinical research phases.

• Leadership & Communication: Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills, with the ability to inspire multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

• Technical & Strategic Insight: Proficiency in project and program management tools and methodologies, applying data-driven insights to guide program priorities and mitigate risks.

• Regulatory & Compliance Awareness: Familiarity with ethical standards and regulatory guidelines, ensuring all research activities comply with internal policies and industry requirements.

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