Director, Analytical Development

The Role

Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients. Moderna is strengthening its presence in Norwood, Massachusetts, a cornerstone of our manufacturing and operational excellence. Our Norwood campus translates mRNA science into scalable impact, supporting the global delivery of our medicines.

In this role, you will lead bioassay development strategy for late‑stage programs within the Potency Assurance function, ensuring cell‑based assays are fit‑for‑purpose for clinical development, validation, and commercialization. You will operate at the intersection of product biology, analytical development, and quality, translating complex mechanisms of action into robust, scalable, and regulatory‑aligned bioassays that enable global filings and commercial supply. The role is 100% onsite in Norwood, with no initial direct reports, and requires influencing across functions while leveraging advanced digital tools and Generative AI to enhance assay strategy, data interpretation, and lifecycle management.

• Define and drive potency assay strategy for late‑stage programs, aligning with product mechanism of action, CQA frameworks, and regulatory expectations.
• Lead development, qualification, validation, and lifecycle‑management strategies for cell‑based bioassays supporting clinical and commercial products.
• Ensure bioassays are mechanistically relevant, connecting product biology to assay design, performance, and control strategies.
• Provide strategic leadership for CMC bioassay development, supporting IND/BLA submissions and commercial readiness.
• Interpret and apply global regulatory guidelines (e.g., ICH, FDA, EMA) to assay development and lifecycle activities.
• Support regulatory filings, health‑authority questions, and interactions related to bioassays.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Quality, QC, and Analytical Sciences & Technology (AS&T) to enable method transfer, validation, and commercialization.
• Drive resolution of bioassay‑related challenges, including investigations, deviations, and comparability assessments.
• Lead through influence across cross‑functional teams, setting priorities aligned with program and organizational goals.
• Oversee potency deliverables across programs, translating technical challenges into risks and mitigation strategies.

"We behave like owners. The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description."
"We act with dynamic range, driving strategy and execution at the same time at every step."

• Ph.D. (preferred) with ≥10 years of relevant industry experience, or MS with ≥12 years of relevant industry experience, or BS with ≥15 years of relevant industry experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biological Engineering, or related field.
• Strong experience in bioassay development within a CMC environment, particularly for late‑stage (Phase 2/3 or commercial) programs.
• This position is site‑based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full‑time. This position is not eligible for remote work.

• Preferred experience with bioassay development for RNA and/or LNP‑related products.
• Proven expertise in cell‑based potency assays for vaccine, rare disease, and/or oncology applications including development, qualification, validation, and lifecycle management.
• Deep understanding of regulatory expectations and guidelines (e.g., ICH, FDA, EMA) for bioassays supporting clinical and commercial products.
• Experience supporting regulatory submissions and health‑authority interactions.
• Proven ability to drive method transfer, validation, and commercialization readiness.
• Strong understanding of analytical control strategies, comparability, and assay lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and influencing cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to connect scientific decisions…