Senior Director, Molecular Pathology and Cell Biology
Moderna
This listing was originally posted on Moderna's careers page. Formulate is an equal opportunity job aggregator and is not involved in the hiring process. Where salary information is estimated, it is derived from BLS industry benchmarks and may differ from actual compensation.
The Role
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.
Here's What You’ll Do
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.
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Basic Qualifications)
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.
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications):
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.
Pay & Benefits
At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
Best-in-class healthcare coverage, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
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
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.
Our Working Model
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.
Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.
Equal Opportunities
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 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 an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Accommodations
We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can 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 leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.
Export Control Notice This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Only U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are currently eligible to access such information without an export license. Candidates who do not meet these criteria may still be considered, contingent on the company’s ability to obtain any required export control license. #LI-NH1-
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