Director – Shared Antigen Cancer Vaccines

The Role

Moderna is dedicated to maximizing the impact of our platform on human health and is expanding off-the-shelf (OTS) cancer vaccine discovery and development efforts to provide impactful new drugs to cancer patients. 

As a complement to our Individualized Neoantigen Therapy programs, Moderna is seeking a talented and motivated Director, Shared Antigen Cancer Vaccines with experience in immune oncology discovery and drug development to move novel shared tumor antigen vaccines from concept to the clinic.   

The successful candidate will drive shared tumor antigen vaccine discovery and development, from target selection to generation of IND-enabling proof-of-biology data sets. This position will oversee a team of experimental scientists, as well as work collaboratively within the Cancer Vaccine Research team and cross functionally with the other critical groups that enable bringing new medicines to cancer patients.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Work cross-functionally with teams across Moderna (Strategy, Research, Manufacturing/Technical DevelopmentRegulatory, and Clinical) to conceive of shared antigen-targeting vaccine concepts and accelerate their pre-clinical development.

• Lead an experimental team of scientists to orchestrate the design and execution of pre-clinical tests that contribute to IND filings and support new programs.

• Advance discovery work flows for new Shared Anitgen vaccine programs.

• Manage program deliverables and timelines, and coordinate cross-functional teams to efficiently generate IND-enabling data sets.

• Lead and mentor a team of scientists, developing both managers and individual contributors.

• Present team findings at internal and external meetings in the form of scientific abstracts, posters, presentations, or manuscripts.

• Liaise and collaborate with internal and external research groups.

• Career development opportunity to grow into a Cancer Vaccine Research Program Lead.

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

• PhD in biology, immunology, virology, or related areas of study.

• Minimum of 10+ years of immune oncology discovery/drug development experience after postdoctoral training.

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

• A record of innovation and research accomplishments in translating cancer therapeutics from preclinical to clinical setting.

• Substantial experience in design and execution of early stage research program(s) to identify and validate novel targets in immune-oncology.

• Familiarity with classes of shared tumor antigens and fluency in methods to identify, validate, and functionally test functionality as a cancer vaccine.

• Extensive knowledge of cancer vaccine biology, murine tumor models, and immunological assays (human and non-human).

• People management experience including a history of developing reports.

• Familiarity with emergent and current standards of care to help define treatment settings, rational combinations, including with cancer vaccines to interrogate pre-clinically.

• Ability to effectively collaborate in a dynamic, cross-functional matrixed environment.

• Proven abililty to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, prioritize work and meet tight timelines.

• Ability to focus and prioritize work that aligns with cancer vaccine program and organizational objectives

• Innovative approach to addressing drug development challenges, with scientific versatility and flexibility.

• Exceptional organizational skills and excellent attention to detail.

• Committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, creative and curious work environment.

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

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

• Experience discovering and developing mRNA-based cancer therapeutics from ideation to First in Human.

• Familiarity with emergent and current standards of care to help define treatment settings, rational combinations.

• Experience with nucleic acid based vaccine platforms

Moderna is pleased to provide you and your family with a comprehensive and innovative suite of benefits, including:

• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
• Lifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activities
• Family care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoring
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes 
• Exclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipment
• Adoption and family-planning benefits
• Dedicated care coordination support for our LGBTQ+ community
• Generous paid time off, including:
  •    Vacation, sick time and holidays
  •    Volunteer time to participate within your community
  •    Discretionary year-end shutdown
  •    Paid sabbatical after 5 years; every 3 years thereafter
• Generous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents
• 401k match and Financial Planning tools
• Moderna-paid Life, LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit options
• Complimentary concierge service including home services research, travel booking, and entertainment requests
• Free parking or subsidized commuter passes
• 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.

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.

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.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free and drug-free work environment.

Moderna 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 proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s 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 also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity are critical to the success of our company and our impact on society. We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees and believe that by cultivating diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we can provide an environment where every employee is able to 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 [email protected].  (EEO/AAP Employer) 

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