Sr. Director, Program Strategy

The Role

Moderna continues to leverage its novel mRNA platform to expand the R&D portfolio and open new therapeutic applications for mRNA across diseases and therapeutic areas. R&D Strategy plays a crucial role for Moderna to achieve its mission to deliver the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines by supporting critical research and development decisions.

The R&D Strategy team operates across research and development to provide analysis and guidance from discovery through development, including:

• Program Strategy to provide a scientific and business assessment of discovery concepts and novel applications of mRNA

• Portfolio Strategy to assess acceleration options, expansion opportunities and set portfolio prioritization and sequencing

• Special strategy topics to provide guidance on complex R&D questions

The Senior Director, Program Strategy will lead a team to deliver the strategy for programs from discovery to early clinical development across the full Moderna portfolio. This person will identify and advance novel applications and uses of mRNA, select a set of first programs to de-risk the platform in the new application, and generate program-specific strategies to maximize platform, program and portfolio value.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• In partnership with research leadership, identify novel mRNA applications and modalities through integrated assessment of scientific and business factors

• Detail discovery strategies to advance new applications and select sentinel indications to demonstrate proof of concept for application de-risking

• Lead the program strategy team to work directly with program leadership to drive integrated program discovery, preclinical, early-development and development choices

• Lead a team to deep dive into biology, generate target product profiles, evaluate unmet medical needs, map treatment pathways, and complete competitive assessments through in-depth examination of the scientific literature, Key Opinion Leader (KOL) feedback, competitive intelligence, and additional secondary sources

• Provide a perspective on modality, application and program value to frame program advancement

• Act as a thought partner for developing innovative and integrated program strategies

• Maintain an integrative enterprise view across platform, research, development, manufacturing and commercial to support program progression; integrate learnings uncovered throughout the portfolio to pivot and advance R&D objectives

Here’s What You’ll Need (Minimum Qualifications)

• 12+ years of experience working for a pharmaceutical/biotech company in strategy, new product planning or similar experience in a professional services or investment capacity (e.g., management or strategy consulting, investment banking, or venture capital)

• PhD, MD, or PharmD preferred, with an understanding of drug development and value creation in the biopharmaceutical industry, and commitment to learn about the science behind our platform technology

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Ability to perform and synthesize in-depth analyses of indications, products, and therapeutic areas, to integrate analysis and broader context into a recommendation, and to defend recommendation in a respectful, objective manner

• Experience managing and growing a high performance team

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills to deliver a compelling narrative/message to senior stakeholders in the organization

• 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 offe