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Moderna is seeking a strategic and scientifically rigorous leader to serve as Sr. Director, Molecular Pathology and Cell Biology within the Therapeutics Translational Research organization. The role will provide end-to-end leadership for molecular pathology and cell biology strategies that enable target validation, mechanism-of-action studies, biomarker development and translational hypothesis testing to advance our portfolio. This presents an exciting opportunity to shape and scale foundational molecular pathology and cell biology capabilities that directly influence therapeutic discovery and translation. You will lead innovative scientific teams, deploy advanced tissue and cellular model systems, and generate critical insights that accelerate the development of transformative medicines. In this role, you will lead two complementary and highly integrated functions — Molecular Pathology and Cell Biology — driving assay innovation, data generation, and experimental model development to support Therapeutics Research programs from discovery through clinical translation. This role will serve as a key bridge across Research, Translational Medicine, and Clinical Biomarker laboratories, ensuring robust, fit-for-purpose data packages that accelerate decision-making from preclinical research through selected early clinical biomarker planning.
Job Responsibility
Lead and integrate high-performing Molecular Pathology and Cell Biology teams while defining and executing a forward-looking translational strategy aligned with therapeutic area priorities and portfolio needs
Serve as a scientific thought partner to Research, Translational Medicine, and Clinical Biomarker leaders, shaping priorities and enabling effective cross-functional collaboration
Set the strategic direction for Molecular Pathology support of target and tissue expression profiling across normal and disease tissues to inform target selection, program prioritization, and translational hypothesis development
Guide the deployment of routine and advanced tissue-based assays, novel spatial profiling approaches, and the continued evolution of the digital pathology infrastructure to ensure fit-for-purpose application across programs
Oversee development and execution of cell-based functional assays including cytotoxicity, cell-killing, ADCC, and pathway interrogation assays
Drive innovation in advanced experimental model systems including organoids, patient-derived explants, and co-culture systems
Establish quality standards, reproducible workflows, and scalable infrastructure to deliver high-quality data supporting Therapeutics Research, Translational Medicine, and, when appropriate, IND-enabling efforts
Requirements
PhD, MD, or equivalent in Pathology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Cancer Biology, or related discipline
12+ years of experience in translational research, molecular pathology, or functional cell biology within biotech, pharma, or academia
Strong understanding of advanced tissue-based assay strategies, including highly multiplexed spatial profiling approaches and AI-powered image analysis
Significant experience in cell-based functional assays, including cytotoxicity and immune effector assays
Experience building and deploying advanced experimental model systems (3D cultures, explants, co-culture platforms)
Demonstrated experience supporting translational research programs and contributing to development-stage decision-making
Proven leadership of multidisciplinary scientific teams within a matrixed organization
Strong communication skills and ability to influence across Research and Development functions
Nice to have
Experience leading and advancing established digital pathology and image analysis capabilities to support translational and biomarker strategies
Familiarity with spatial biology technologies and their integration with multi-omic datasets to support biological insight and program decision-making
Experience supporting IND-enabling studies and regulatory submissions
Track record of external scientific engagement through publications or strategic collaborations
What we offer
Best-in-class healthcare coverage, plus voluntary benefit programs
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
Eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award