Director, Shared Antigen Cancer Vaccines Research

The Role

Moderna is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Director of Shared Antigen Cancer Vaccines Research to join our Cancer Vaccines Research team, focusing on early pipeline programs.  The Director will lead the early discovery and preclinical validation of shared antigen cancer vaccine candidates, overseeing the translation of innovative scientific concepts into actionable clinical programs in close collaboration with a diverse array of internal teams.  As a leader in the Cancer Vaccines team, you will help shape the overall strategy of the Cancer Vaccines portfolio and ensure that early-stage programs seamlessly progress into Moderna’s broader oncology pipeline.

This role requires a scientific leader who can balance scientific innovation, rigorous scientific execution and oversight to guide teams through the complex processes of early discovery, preclinical validation, and regulatory preparation. The Director will closely collaborate with clinicians to translate research findings into actionable clinical strategies, work with translational experts to develop robust biomarker plans and collaborate with CMC teams to ensure the timely manufacture of new vaccine candidates. Additionally, you will author and review relevant IND modules in close collaboration with regulatory colleagues to ensure timely filing and responses to global regulatory agencies.  Demonstrated ability to construct risk-mitigated research strategies and pursue parallel options to progress programs efficiently and robustly through preclinical development is a key requirement of this role.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Provide leadership and direction for early discovery programs, overseeing a team of scientists dedicated to evaluating new targets, optimizing immunogen designs, demonstrating function in biochemical, cell based and preclinical models.

• Provide deep expertise in immuno-oncology, with a proven ability to characterize of mechanisms of action (MOA) and mechanisms of resistance (MOR).

• Contribute to envisioning, drafting and critical review of regulatory documents, including INDs, supporting the advancement of early-stage clinical assets from the fast-emerging portfolio.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.

• Create and oversee an efficient research strategy including milestone-driven, risk-mitigated experimental strategies.

• Establish group goals, associated budgets, and set timelines for deliverables

• Build resilient, cross-functional relationships across the research and development organizations to enable robust thought partnership, execution of rigorous science and efficient clinical development of our fast-expanding pipeline of medicines.

• Represent Moderna at scientific conferences and contribute to high-impact publications.

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

• PhD or MD/PhD in immunology, oncology, molecular biology, or a related field.

• 10+ years of experience in cancer immunotherapy and/or vaccine development in industrial settings.

• Proven leadership experience, with a history of leading successful research teams and early-stage discovery programs through IND filing.

• Technical expertise to enable rigorous oversight of the generation and analysis of preclinical samples, such as with genomic profiling, bulk and single cell RNA sequencing, multi-parameter flow/CyTOF panels/spectral flow cytometry and MS-immunopeptidomics data

• Evidence of leveraging deep technical expertise in Immuno-Oncology to evaluate Mechanisms of Action and Resistance MOA/MOR

• Experience in drafting and reviewing regulatory filings and working cross-functionally with clinical and regulatory teams.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and develop direct reports

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with aggressive timelines

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset and the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

• A passion for innovation and the mission of developing transformative medicines in the fight against cancer.

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

• Expertise developing mRNA-LNP therapeutics is highly desirable.

• Experience in designing cancer vaccines comprised of shared antigens

• Familiarity with b