The Role
In this role, you will envision and lead the execution of the strategy to harness advanced sequencing technologies, to drive translational research across diverse therapeutic areas, including cancer vaccines, immuno-oncology, and immune therapeutics targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Leveraging your deep expertise in state-of-the-art DNA and RNA sequencing platforms, you will design, implement, and interpret sequencing-based analyses to support both clinical and preclinical initiatives. You will lead a small, highly skilled team, fostering collaboration and innovation to ensure impactful delivery of sequencing insights. Additionally, you will partner closely with key stakeholders in the research and clinical development organizations including molecular pathology, biomarker discovery and bioinformatics, to ensure seamless integration of sequencing data into the broader development strategy. This role provides a unique opportunity to help shape Moderna’s translational research vision, utilizing sequencing insights to propel pipeline advancements and enable forward and reverse translation to enhance therapeutic impact across diverse therapeutic areas of the portfolio.
Here’s What You’ll Do
- Drive the evaluation, adoption, and optimization of emerging sequencing technologies to enhance Moderna’s translational research capabilities.
- Oversee the design and execution of sequencing experiments, including ctDNA, cfDNA, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and other relevant platforms, for biomarker discovery, patient stratification, and therapeutic development.
- Interpret complex sequencing datasets to inform decision-making and shape therapeutic hypotheses in oncology, immuno-oncology, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases.
- Ensure effective communication and collaboration across cross-functional teams to translate sequencing insights into actionable strategies.
- Manage external collaborations and partnerships with vendors, academic institutions, and other organizations to expand technical expertise and access resources.
- Maintain compliance with regulatory and quality standards for clinical and translational research.
- Foster an environment of scientific innovation and continuous learning within your team and the broader organization.
Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
- PhD or MD/PhD in immunology, immune-oncology, oncology, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in cancer immunotherapy, autoimmune therapeutics or vaccine development in industrial settings.
- Proven track record of successfully leading and mentoring a high-performing team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
- Evidence of leading strategies that leverage sequencing technologies to evaluate mechanisms of action or resistance and/or drive decisions in clinical programs
- Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple cancer vaccine projects simultaneously.
- A passion for innovation and the mission of developing transformative medicines in the fight against cancer and autoimmune diseases
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)
- Extensive hands-on experience with advanced sequencing technologies, including ctDNA, cfDNA, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), next-generation sequencing (NGS) and related platforms, as well as a proven ability to deploy these technologies in translational research driving immuno-oncology or autoimmune therapeutics development.
- Fluency in bioinformatics tools, workflows, and analysis pipelines relevant to the interpretation of sequencing data, enabling effective collaboration with computational scientists and integration of insights into the broader research framework.
- Experience in executing and analyze immune cell phenotypes using multicolor flow cytometry and relevant software packages.
- A strong understanding of drug development, experience contributing to regulatory submissions and interactions with health authorities are highly desirable.
- Exceptional ability to work across diverse teams and disciplines, effectively communicating complex scientific concepts to non-specialist audiences and aligning stakeholders on translational objectives.
- Strong publication record, with the ability to present complex scientific data to both internal and external audiences.
- A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.
- This role is based in our new LEED-certified HQ in Cambridge, MA and is expected to be in office 70% of the time with flexibility to work from home up to 30%.