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Director, Cancer Vaccines Research
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Director, Cancer Vaccines Research
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BioSpace Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Overview
Moderna is seeking a strategic and experienced Director to join our Cancer Vaccines Research team, leading critical mechanistic research in support of clinical-stage therapeutic cancer vaccines. This role will focus on uncovering how Moderna’s mRNA platform technologies engage and shape anti-tumor immunity, using in vitro and preclinical models to explore vaccine efficacy, resistance, and tumor–immune dynamics. Responsibilities
Design and lead in vitro and preclinical studies to investigate mechanistic questions critical to the performance of clinical-stage cancer vaccines. Define and execute experimental strategies to explore immune activation, antigen presentation, and tumor-immune interactions. Lead the development of data packages and scientific rationale that support global regulatory filings, amendments, and responses, in partnership with Regulatory colleagues. Inspire and develop a highly talented team of scientists by fostering an environment that encourages scientific rigor, intellectual autonomy, and career growth. Build strong cross-functional partnerships across Research, Clinical Development, CMC, and Regulatory to advance goals efficiently and robustly. Represent Moderna at key internal forums, contributing to thought leadership in immuno-oncology and therapeutic cancer vaccine research. Basic Qualifications
PhD or MD/PhD in immunology, tumor immunology, or a closely related field. 9+ years of industry or applied research experience in immuno-oncology, with demonstrated leadership in mechanistic research. Deep expertise in the biology of immune activation, T cell function, antigen processing and presentation, and tumor-immune interface. Proven ability to design and execute in vitro and preclinical studies that inform clinical-stage therapeutic development. Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional scientific initiatives with multiple stakeholders and tight timelines. Direct experience supporting regulatory filings (e.g., INDs, briefing books, HA responses), including scientific authorship and strategy development. Track record of integrating mechanistic insights into development-stage decision-making. Demonstrated success in leading and high-performing teams while fostering both scientific excellence and leadership development. A leadership style rooted in empowerment, high expectations, and collaborative mentorship. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill complex mechanistic findings for cross-functional and external stakeholders. A drive to contribute meaningfully to the development of transformative precision immunotherapies for patients. Preferred Qualifications
Expertise developing mRNA-LNP therapeutics, including cancer vaccines, is highly desirable. Benefits
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. Working Model
Moderna emphasizes the benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 in-person work model. This structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Equal Opportunities
Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to 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 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. Moderna provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. For accommodations in connection with the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, contact leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. Export Control Notice
This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws. Employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons are eligible for this position; Moderna cannot sponsor non-U.S. persons for an export control license. Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full-time Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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Director, Cancer Vaccines Research
role at
BioSpace Join to apply for the
Director, Cancer Vaccines Research
role at
BioSpace Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Overview
Moderna is seeking a strategic and experienced Director to join our Cancer Vaccines Research team, leading critical mechanistic research in support of clinical-stage therapeutic cancer vaccines. This role will focus on uncovering how Moderna’s mRNA platform technologies engage and shape anti-tumor immunity, using in vitro and preclinical models to explore vaccine efficacy, resistance, and tumor–immune dynamics. Responsibilities
Design and lead in vitro and preclinical studies to investigate mechanistic questions critical to the performance of clinical-stage cancer vaccines. Define and execute experimental strategies to explore immune activation, antigen presentation, and tumor-immune interactions. Lead the development of data packages and scientific rationale that support global regulatory filings, amendments, and responses, in partnership with Regulatory colleagues. Inspire and develop a highly talented team of scientists by fostering an environment that encourages scientific rigor, intellectual autonomy, and career growth. Build strong cross-functional partnerships across Research, Clinical Development, CMC, and Regulatory to advance goals efficiently and robustly. Represent Moderna at key internal forums, contributing to thought leadership in immuno-oncology and therapeutic cancer vaccine research. Basic Qualifications
PhD or MD/PhD in immunology, tumor immunology, or a closely related field. 9+ years of industry or applied research experience in immuno-oncology, with demonstrated leadership in mechanistic research. Deep expertise in the biology of immune activation, T cell function, antigen processing and presentation, and tumor-immune interface. Proven ability to design and execute in vitro and preclinical studies that inform clinical-stage therapeutic development. Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional scientific initiatives with multiple stakeholders and tight timelines. Direct experience supporting regulatory filings (e.g., INDs, briefing books, HA responses), including scientific authorship and strategy development. Track record of integrating mechanistic insights into development-stage decision-making. Demonstrated success in leading and high-performing teams while fostering both scientific excellence and leadership development. A leadership style rooted in empowerment, high expectations, and collaborative mentorship. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill complex mechanistic findings for cross-functional and external stakeholders. A drive to contribute meaningfully to the development of transformative precision immunotherapies for patients. Preferred Qualifications
Expertise developing mRNA-LNP therapeutics, including cancer vaccines, is highly desirable. Benefits
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. Working Model
Moderna emphasizes the benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 in-person work model. This structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Equal Opportunities
Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to 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 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. Moderna provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. For accommodations in connection with the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, contact leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. Export Control Notice
This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws. Employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons are eligible for this position; Moderna cannot sponsor non-U.S. persons for an export control license. Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full-time Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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