The Role
Modernas Clinical and Quantitative Pharmacology (CQP) function is seeking an innovative collaborative and strategic leader to serve asSenior Director Head of Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP).
In this role you will provide strategic scientific and operational leadership for Modernas mechanistic and systems pharmacology capabilities. This leader will define and execute the vision for how mechanistic modeling systems biology and model-informed drug development (MIDD) approaches are applied across discovery preclinical and clinical stages to accelerate development and optimize dose schedule patient selection and enable other R&D decisions.
You will lead a team of talented modelers and quantitative scientists collaborate deeply across research platform sciences translational biomarker DMPK and clinical functions. Your role will be pivotal in ensuring that QSP strategies and deliverables not only deliver scientific and technical rigor but also strategic insight and cross-functional alignment to accelerate and de-risk Modernas research/early pipeline. You will also represent Moderna as a thought leader in QSP and translational modeling.
Heres What Youll Do
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop and implement QSP strategy across all therapeutic areas and modalities.
Embed QSP principles and deliverables into Modernas R&D decision framework including target validation animal study design human dose projection and mechanism-of-action understanding.
Partner with discovery preclinical clinical and platform teams to ensure quantitative and biological hypotheses guide experimental design and portfolio advancement.
Represent QSP and champion quantitative and systems-based thinking throughout R&D.
Scientific Leadership & Modeling Excellence
Lead design development and application of mechanistic models (disease progression target engagement immune dynamics biomarker relationships etc.) to inform key program decisions.
Integrate multi-dimensional data and knowledge into multi-scale mechanistic models for translation and decision support.
Drive innovation in model architectures and computational methodologiesincluding hybrid mechanistic machine-learning approaches digital-twin development and virtual population simulations.
Ensure scientific rigor transparency and reproducibility in all modeling deliverables.
Cross-Functional & Stakeholder Leadership
Collaborate closely with Clinical Pharmacology Translational Medicine DMPK research bioinformatics clinical development and platform sciences to design integrated quantitative strategies.
Provide QSP input for INDs IBs regulatory filings and Health Authority interactions.
Align modeling deliverables with clinical and quantitative pharmacology to enable model-informed decision-making throughout the molecule lifecycle.
Team Leadership & Global Collaboration
Build mentor and lead a high-performing QSP team including internal team members and external partners.
Foster an inclusive collaborative culture that promotes learning creativity and scientific excellence.
Define roles growth paths and succession plans for the QSP organization; champion professional development.
Oversee outsourced modeling work budget and strategic partnerships with CROs and academic collaborators.
External & Thought Leadership
Represent Moderna in global scientific forums regulatory workshops and consortia to shape the future of QSP and model-informed drug development.
Publish and present scientific work in high-impact journals and conferences.
Other Duties
As needed contribute to or lead cross-functional special projects ad hoc initiatives or new methodology pilots.
Heres What Youll Need (Basic Qualifications)
Ph.D. in systems pharmacology bioengineering applied mathematics pharmacology or a related quantitative discipline.
10 years of industry or equivalent experience in QSP / mechanistic modeling with at least 5 years leading teams.
Proven track record of applying mechanistic and translational models to support drug development (preclinical through clinical).
Deep understanding of PK/PD systems biology disease pathway modeling and biomarker integration.
Demonstrated leadership in managing and developing quantitative scientists preferably across sites or geographies.
Proficiency in modeling platforms such as MATLAB/SimBiology Monolix R or Python.
Strong communication and influencing skills; ability to translate quantitative findings for multidisciplinary and executive audiences.
Experience contributing to regulatory filings and Health Authority interactions leveraging model-informed approaches.
Heres What Youll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)
Experience in mRNA or novel therapeutic modalities (e.g. gene therapy biologics immuno-oncology).
Familiarity with PBPK modeling virtual populations or digital-twin simulation.
Experience building infrastructure or toolchains for scalable modeling and data integration.
Track record of scientific publications and external visibility.
A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth transformational company that is Bold Relentless Curious and Collaborative.
Pay & Benefits
At Moderna we believe that when you feel your best you can do your best work. Thats why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support youat work at home and everywhere in between.
Best-in-class healthcare coverage plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
A holistic approach to well-being with access to fitness mindfulness and mental health support
Family planning benefits including fertility adoption and surrogacy support
Generous paid time off including vacation volunteer days sabbatical global recharge days and a discretionary year-end shutdown
Savings and investment opportunities to help you plan for the future
Location-specific perks and extras
The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus other incentive compensation or equity award subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.
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 to learn more about our current opportunities.
Our Working Model
As we build our company we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation teamwork and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn contribute and make a meaningful impact.
Moderna is a smoke-free alcohol-free and drug-free work environment.
Equal Opportunities
Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a persons 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 is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day please apply!
Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories consistent with legal requirements.
Accommodations
Were focused on attracting retaining developing and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences backgrounds and ideas we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best.
Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations team at .
Export Control Notice
This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such employment is contingent upon the applicants ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens permanent residents asylees or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.
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