Associate Counsel, Discovery and Research

ModernaTX•Cambridge, MA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Counsel – Discovery and Research will be a key member of Moderna’s Legal team, providing pragmatic, business-oriented legal support across discovery and research, public health initiatives, and business development activities that collectively advance Moderna’s scientific and strategic objectives. This role will serve as a trusted partner to Moderna’s scientists, business development professionals, and public health collaborators, helping to structure and execute agreements that accelerate innovation and global impact. The Associate Counsel will have a balanced portfolio supporting discovery and research, public health contracting, and business development initiatives that advance Moderna’s scientific and strategic objectives. The successful candidate will apply sound judgment, scientific curiosity, and business acumen in a fast-paced environment, leveraging AI-enabled tools and data-driven insights to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and foster innovation across the legal function.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice in good standing.
4–7 years of relevant experience in a law firm and/or in-house legal department, preferably within the life sciences, biotechnology, or public health sectors.
Strong experience with research-related and collaboration contracts; familiarity with government or public health contracting a plus.
Demonstrated ability to provide clear, practical legal advice that balances business goals with compliance and risk mitigation.
Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues.
Curiosity about scientific innovation and comfort working with technical subject matter.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Commitment to collaboration, integrity, and client service.
Interest in digital transformation and familiarity with AI-enabled legal tools or data-driven process improvements.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive legal support for Moderna’s discovery and research teams, including advising on collaborations, sponsored research, and other R&D-related activities.
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts supporting both internal research efforts and external partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and collaborators.
Advise on and support public health contracts and initiatives, including agreements with government agencies, global health partners, and non-profit organizations that advance Moderna’s mission to improve global health.
Support legal strategy and contracting on complex collaborations, joint ventures, investments, and licensing transactions, ensuring alignment with Moderna’s broader business and scientific goals.
Partner with teams across our organization and provide strategic guidance for the development and expansion of pre-clinical and clinical assets, acting as an enterprise connector to ensure consistency and compliance.
Support the creation and continuous improvement of templates, playbooks, and contract processes, integrating AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
Manage a diverse portfolio of agreements, balancing multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and adherence to internal policies.
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal clients, serving as a responsive, solutions-oriented legal partner.

Benefits

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

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