Associate Director, Rare Diseases, Elpidera

Moderna is a clinical stage pioneer of messenger RNA Therapeutics™, an entirely new in vivo drug technology that produces human proteins, antibodies and entirely novel protein constructs inside patient cells, which are in turn secreted or active intracellularly.

We seek a talented, experienced and motivated Associate Director to assist in developing the preclinical data package to support advancement of Moderna’s mRNA technology platform and pipeline. The successful candidate will drive the preclinical in vitro and in vivo pharmacology effort to validate the potential of novel mRNA therapeutics in the Rare Diseases therapeutic area. The successful candidate will lead the biochemistry and cell biology efforts, design and execute experiments, supervise laboratory personnel, present results internally and externally and manage collaborations and CROs. Applicants should be outstanding team members and have extensive experience in project management. The ability to effectively communicate across internal multi-disciplinary teams and with external partners is required. The candidate will need to manage multiple project in a fast-move and results-oriented environment.

* Manage multiple projects of moderate to large size and scope involving cross-functional collaboration within Discovery and across departments. Provide scientific expertise, guidance and strategy to successfully bring programs to Go/No Go decisions. * Lead a team of biologists to develop, optimize, validate and execute biochemical and/or cellular assays to support drug discovery projects, including assay development, and running of assays for mRNA research * Provide expert level guidance in designing and implementing cell biology, biochemistry and biomarker related studies for rare diseases * Ability to manage and supervise scientists to meet project timelines and teach direct reports assay and trouble shooting skills * Develop and manage relationship with clients. Have good communication skills, especially be capable of communicating effectively to discuss project progress, interpret and present data to clients * Lead external collaborations. Act as a scientific resource providing guidance and mentorship to colleagues.

**Minimum Qualifications** * A Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or immunology with 5-10 years drug discovery experience at pharmaceutical, biotech or CRO * Solid background and training in his or her own fields of studies and in conducting research using the latest drug discovery technologies and advances in science * Preference will be given to candidate with managerial capabilities and good knowledge and experience in enzymology and track record of making contributions to advance compounds from concept to proof-of concept in-vivo onto clinical candidate **Preferred Qualifications** * Familiarity with animal models used in Rare Disease research * Extensive hands on experience in setting up in vitro and ex vivo biochemical assays * Familiarity with disease biomarkers * Experience in drug discovery or translational research in a biotech setting **Competencies** * Scientific Rigor * Common sense * Technical Expertise * Attention to Detail * Effective Problem Solving Skills * Results Orientation * Effective Communicator (Oral & Written) * Readily Adapts to Change & New Projects