Associate Director, Program Management, Research and Preclinical Programs

The Role

Moderna is seeking an Associate Director, Program Management to own end-to-end planning and execution across 2 to 4 research and preclinical assets while providing strategic insight at both the program and portfolio levels. You will translate strategy into integrated plans and scenarios, lead cross-functional teams, manage risk and the critical path with timely escalation, and deliver clear governance materials, reporting, and budget stewardship. You will also maintain a single source of truth and drive accountability to milestones. Domain expertise in autoimmune and immuno-oncology is required (autoimmune strongly preferred) with a proven track record advancing programs from research through IND.

Here's What You’ll Do

• Core Program Management: Own end-to-end planning and execution for research and preclinical programs. Define scope and success criteria, build integrated timelines and critical path, track risks, assumptions, issues and decisions, run operating cadences, drive decision-making and accountability, and maintain the single source of truth.
• Strategic Coordination: Partner with project leads to translate strategy into executable plans. Drive prioritization, scenario planning, and preparation for governance forums.
• Build and Facilitate Cross-functional Teams: Coordinate across R&D, Finance, Regulatory, Nonclinical Drug Discovery Sciences, Technical Development, CMC, and Clinical to deliver milestones.
• Risk Management: Identify risks to timelines and deliverables, escalate threats to the critical path, and implement mitigation plans with proactive stakeholder communication.
• Stakeholder Communication: Provide clear, routine updates on progress, challenges, and decisions to internal and external stakeholders.
• Documentation and Reporting: Ensure comprehensive documentation and generate concise reports for senior leadership and partners.
• Budget Management: Coordinate with Research Operations, Finance and program teams to plan, track, and forecast budgets.
  
  

Here’s What You’ll Bring To The Table

• Education: Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Experience: 7+ years in biotech or pharma program management focused on research and preclinical development, with successful progression from research through IND and transition to clinical. Laboratory experience and prior scientific project lead experience in biotech are preferred.
• Domain Expertise: Direct experience in autoimmune and immuno-oncology. Autoimmune experience is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge: Strong command of early drug development, including advancing novel candidates through IND and into first-in-human studies.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver complex programs.
• Skills: Excellent organization, analytics, problem solving, and written and verbal communication.
• Tools: Proficiency with project management software. Smartsheet experience is highly desirable.
• Versatility: Ability to quickly learn and pivot across therapeutic areas as program needs evolve.
• Attributes: Self-motivated, proactive, collaborative, and able to influence without authority.
  
  

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 a suite of voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
• A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to personalize your well-being journey
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investment opportunities
• 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. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.