Director, Translational Medicine, Oncology

Role Summary

Director, Translational Medicine, Oncology responsible for developing and leading translational strategies across oncology programs, bridging preclinical research and clinical application, and contributing to cross-program learning.

Responsibilities

• Strategy Development
  • Define and drive the translational medicine strategy, including endpoint design/selection, across assigned oncology programs, from early development through pivotal stages.
  • Influence indication selection, biomarker strategy, patient stratification, dose selection, and study design at the program level.
  • Guide reverse translational approaches to inform discovery and pipeline expansion.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Serve as team leader of the translational medicine sub-team within program teams.
  • Partner with Program Leadership, Discovery, Translational Research, Clinical Development, Biomarkers, Regulatory, and other functions to ensure integrated development plans.
  • Represent Translational Medicine at program meetings, providing scientific and strategic input into key decision points.
• Execution & Delivery
  • Oversee biomarker and translational medicine contributions to study protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, and regulatory submissions (e.g., INDs/CTAs).
  • Ensure program deliverables are executed on time and to the highest scientific and regulatory standards.
  • Partner with bioinformaticians, biostatisticians and biomarker experts to ensure high-quality data collection, analysis, and interpretation to inform decision-making.
  • Provide program-level updates to senior leadership and governance committees.
• Leadership & Organizational Impact
  • Mentor and develop junior translational scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
  • Drive cross-program learning and dissemination of best practices in Oncology Translational Medicine.
  • Support external visibility of Moderna’s oncology programs through publications, presentations, and scientific collaborations.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline (Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D. or equivalent).
• 10+ years of experience in translational medicine, with a strong background in oncology.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing translational strategies at the program level.
• Proven track record of cross-functional leadership and collaboration in a matrixed R&D environment.
• Strong understanding of biomarker discovery, validation, and clinical application; experience with emerging diagnostic and predictive technologies is highly desirable.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Evidence of external scientific contributions (publications, presentations, thought leadership).