Director, R&D Strategy

The Role

Moderna continues to leverage its novel mRNA platform to expand the R&D portfolio and open new therapeutic applications for mRNA across diseases and therapeutic areas. R&D Strategy plays a crucial role for Moderna to achieve its mission to deliver the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines by supporting critical research and development decisions.

The R&D Strategy team operates across R&D to provide analysis and guidance from discovery through development, including:

• Research strategy to provide a scientific and business assessment of discovery concepts and novel applications of mRNA
• Special strategic topics to provide guidance on the most complex R&D questions
• Portfolio strategy to drive R&D priorities and objectives
• Therapeutic area strategy to assess acceleration and expansion opportunities and set prioritization and sequencing
• Program-level strategy to drive research, preclinical and clinical development choices

The Director, R&D Strategy will be responsible for executing special strategy projects and will act as a key contributor to program strategy. This person will deliver on the highest priority, most complex R&D questions by integrating logic, scientific rigor to deliver on a specific set of recommendations to action. The Director, R&D Strategy be a key thought partner for Program Leaders to set early research strategy, drive programs through to the clinic, and support the highest priority programs through development. As a member of early program teams, the Director will ensure on-going alignment between program, therapeutic areas, and portfolio strategy.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Deep dive into biology, generate target product profiles, evaluate unmet medical needs, map treatment pathways, and complete competitive assessments
• Be a trusted advisor and thought partner for Program Leadership and R&D leadership
• Execute special strategy projects, leading the framing, analysis, and recommendation to answer the most complex and cross-functional R&D questions
• Additional duties as may be assigned from time to time
• Complete due dilligence on external evaluations of technology or biology
• Synthesize learnings from across the portfolio and maintain coordination and integration with R&D and enterprise strategy and objectives
• In partnership with R&D leadership, identify novel mRNA applications and modalities through integrated assessment of scientific and business factors
• In collaboration with R&D program leadership, drive integrated discovery, preclinical, early-development and development strategy

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

• 8+ years of experience working for a clinical- or commercial-stage pharmaceutical/biotech company in strategy or corporate development, or similar experience in a professional services or investment capacity (e.g., management or strategy consulting, investment banking, or venture capital)
• PhD, MD, or PharmD preferred, with an understanding of drug development and value creation in the biopharmaceutical industry, and commitment to learn about the science behind our platform technology

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

• Ability to perform and synthesize in-depth analyses of indications, products, and therapeutic areas, to integrate analysis and broader context into a recommendation, and to defend recommendation in a respectful, objective manner
• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills to deliver a compelling narrative/message to senior stakeholders in the organization

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

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

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 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 make a request to the Talent Acquisition Partner or contact the Accommodations team at [email protected]. (EEO/AAP Employer)

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