Director, Cancer Vaccine Research

The Role

Moderna is seeking a strategic and deeply mechanistic Director Cancer Vaccine Research to support our clinical-stage therapeutic cancer vaccine portfolio including intismeran and other advancing cancer antigen therapy programs.

A central focus of this role is to deepen our understanding of how the mRNA-based cancer vaccine platform elicits tumor control in humans. Through rigorous hypothesis-driven investigation you will guide efforts to dissect immune mechanisms leveraging preclinical models to strengthen the scientific foundations of our programs in development.

This career opportunity will allow you to lead the team responsible for addressing critical pharmacology questions emerging from clinical studies using in vitro and disease-relevant preclinical models to interrogate antigen-specific T cell dynamics immune activation pathways tumorimmune interactions and mechanisms of response and resistance.

In close partnership with Clinical Development Regulatory CMC and Program teams you will ensure that mechanistic insights are thoughtfully generated and integrated into program strategy and regulatory narratives for both current and future programs.

As a member of the CVBR Leadership Team you will also contribute to broader scientific prioritization talent development and functional strategy within Cancer Vaccines Research.

This role is designed for a leader who combines mechanistic depth with systems-level thinking and who is motivated to connect platform biology to meaningful clinical outcomes.

Heres What Youll Do

• Define and lead the mechanistic research strategy supporting clinical-stage cancer vaccine programs focused on understanding how the mRNA platform drives tumor control in patients.

• Design and oversee rigorous in vitro and disease-relevant preclinical studies to interrogate antigen-specific T cell responses immune activation pathways tumorimmune interactions mechanisms of response and resistance and scientific rationale for combination strategies.

• Integrate mechanistic findings with emerging clinical data to refine development hypotheses and strengthen program-level scientific narratives.

• Serve as a key scientific representative for Research in cross-functional regulatory teams authoring and contributing to IND submissions amendments briefing books and health authority responses.

• Lead and develop a high-performing team while contributing to CVBR leadership discussions on scientific standards and portfolio priorities.

• Represent Moderna in internal governance forums external alliances and scientific venues articulating mechanistic rationale and platform strategy.

Heres What Youll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• PhD or MD/PhD in immunology tumor immunology or a related field.

• 9 years of industry or applied research experience in immuno-oncology including leadership of mechanistic research supporting development-stage assets.

• Deep expertise in immune activation biology antigen processing and presentation T cell function and tumorimmune interactions.

• Demonstrated experience designing mechanistic studies that inform clinical-stage therapeutic development.

• Substantial experience serving as a scientific author for regulatory submissions (e.g. INDs amendments briefing books) and contributing to health authority responses.

• Proven ability to operate effectively in complex cross-functional environments building trusted partnerships across Research Clinical Development Regulatory and CMC to drive aligned program outcomes.

• Experience leading and developing high-performing scientific teams.

• Strong analytical and communication skills with the ability to distill complex mechanistic data for cross-functional and external stakeholders.

Heres What Youll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Expertise developing mRNA-LNP therapeutics including cancer vaccines is highly desirable.

• Experience engaging with external partners or alliance teams representing scientific strategy and data in cross-organizational settings.

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

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 .

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