Director – Discovery Chemistry

The Role

Moderna is seeking a Director-level chemist to join the Discovery Chemistry group.  This individual will be responsible for leading the design and synthesis of novel LNP components and oligonucleotides, impacting multiple research projects across a range of therapeutic areas.  This individual will also be responsible for managing a team of chemists working on these projects and cross functional collaborations, including: Formulations, Digital, Biological Sciences and Artificial Intelligence (AI) teams to advance our mRNA platform.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Provide strategic and technical leadership to drive the design and optimization of novel LNP components and synthetic mRNA components

• Direct functions/teams, programs, and research strategy towards overall departmental goals

• Lead medicinal chemistry efforts directed at the discovery of novel components of delivery vehicles for nucleic acid-based payloads

• Solve complex scientific challenges within an emerging and increasingly competitive field of drug discovery

• Manage, mentor, and coach a team of chemistry colleagues

• Work within cross functional teams to evaluate and optimize the efficiency and safety of our delivery technologies

• Design in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate novel designs; analyze, collate, and communicate data to the team and to senior leadership

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including project management, intellectual property, and regulatory teams, to achieve project goals

• Effectively communicate scientific findings, progress updates, and project strategies to senior management and external stakeholders

• Contribute to CMC aspects as it relates to novel lipids

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

• Ph.D. in Chemistry and minimum 10 years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry with a demonstrable history of intellectual leadership in drug discovery, with a track record of patents, peer-reviewed publications, and project achievements

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects concurrently, collaborate across disciplines and lead interdisciplinary activities to deliver project milestones.

• Demonstrated strong synthetic chemistry expertise and proficiency in analytical techniques

• Team-oriented, execution-focused, and highly motivated, with strong work ethic.

• Experience in nucleotide and lipid chemistry is preferred.

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

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) 

-