Senior Director, Molecular Pathology and Cell Biology

Moderna • Cambridge, MA

1d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees