Associate Director, Technical Development Operations

The Role

Technical Development Operations (TD Ops) is seeking highly skilled Associate Director to join the team. As an individual contributor, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our innovative technologies and initiatives by leveraging broad technical expertise across DNA, RNA, LNP, DP, and analytics. You will work collaboratively within a matrix management structure, guiding overall organizational strategy while directly contributing to complex technical projects. Your contributions will significantly impact the department’s high-throughput manufacturing, pilot manufacturing, and analytical testing operations. This is an onsite role based in Moderna’s Technology Center campus in Norwood, MA.

In this role, you will act as a cross-functional leader to help the deliver organizationally wide critical technical and operational improvements. You will help teams identify gaps and develop clear business value propositions to seek project endorsement. You will help teams execute the strategic vision using your efficient project planning and diverse SME skill sets. Your ability to seamlessly integrate into a wide breadth of complex problems, along with strong program management skills, will be key to your success. Exceptional communication and leadership skills are essential to enable you to influence and guide your peers and cross-functional teams effectively. Indirect mentorship of your leadership skills across the organization is an expected outcome from your daily efforts.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with peers to define the overall technical strategy for TD Ops, focusing on both current needs and future advancements.

• Leverage your extensive knowledge in DNA, RNA, LNP, DP, and analytical methods to drive organizational objectives and ensure project success, meeting TD Ops' quality and innovation standards.

• Interface with research colleagues to improve manufacturing support of the pre-clinical pipeline by advancing key process improvements and new technologies into the high-throughput operations team

• Advance critical analytical improvements to support increased testing demand and characterization needs of the department

• Operate effectively within a matrix management environment, providing leadership of cross-functional teams as an individual contributor.

• Guide cross-functional teams through efficient project planning, strategic pivots, and successful implementation to achieve high-impact deliverables.

• Ensure TD Ops stays at the forefront of technical innovation as a proving ground for the company’s novel technologies.

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

• Education: Degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related technical discipline

• Experience: 12 years of relevant experience with Bachelor’s degree or 6 years of relevant experience with a PhD.

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

• PhD in a relevant field is strongly preferred combined with a 8+ years of relevant industry experience combining technical and strategic matrixed leadership

• Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in DNA, RNA, LNP, DP, process development and analytical methods, with a proven ability to troubleshoot and solve complex technical problems.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans that align with organizational goals and drive technical innovation.

• Strong project management skills, with experience leading complex technical initiatives and managing cross-functional teams.

• Track record of identifying and implementing innovative solutions and process improvements within a technical development environment.

• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, capable of guiding and influencing peers and stakeholders across the organization.

• Understanding of regulatory requirements and experience interfacing with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and facilitate approvals.

• Experience in developing and operationalizing workflows to enhance efficiency, scalability, and cross-functional collaboration.

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