Director, Analytical Chemistry

Role: Director of Analytical Chemistry leading discovery-stage research for mRNA-LNP therapeutics and vaccines at Moderna. Responsibilities: define and execute analytical strategies supporting lipid, polymer, and RNA characterization; oversee method development, qualification, transfer, and lifecycle management; serve as a senior analytical partner to multidisciplinary teams; guide external CRO/CDMO collaborations; and leverage high-throughput and AI/ML technologies for accelerated research. Requirements: Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field; 9+ years in industry with expertise in small molecules, lipids, polymers, and nucleic acid analytics; proven leadership in biotech/pharma discovery and early development; proficiency in separation science, spectroscopic, and physicochemical techniques; experience with mRNA analytics and regulatory support; strong communication and team-building skills. HighValue: focus on mRNA-LNPs, lipid formulation, impurity profiling, structure elucidation, and rapid decision-making in discovery and early development phases. Work setup: site-based in Cambridge, MA, with a 70/30 in-office expectation. Preferred: experience with nucleic acid modalities, high-throughput workflows, AI/ML applications, and contributions to IND-enabling programs.