Senior Director, Epidemiology

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly experienced Epidemiologist to lead its COVID-19 program. This role involves developing and executing epidemiological strategies, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance vaccine development. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Epidemiology and over 10 years of industry experience, particularly in vaccine development or infectious diseases. Join a dynamic team committed to innovation and impact in the field of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics. If you are driven, collaborative, and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts

Lifestyle Spending Account

Family care benefits

Free premium access to fitness classes

Generous paid time off

401k match

Complimentary concierge service

Paid sabbatical after 5 years

Location-specific perks

Qualifications

• PhD in Epidemiology preferred; 10+ years in industry, ideally in vaccines.
• Proficiency in epidemiological study design and data analysis required.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of the epidemiology strategy for COVID.
• Design and implement epidemiological studies and analyze data.

Skills

Epidemiologic study design

Data analysis

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Education

PhD in Epidemiology

Equivalent relevant experience

Tools

Large electronic healthcare databases

Job description

The Role:

Moderna is seeking a highly experienced Epidemiologist to develop the epidemiologic strategy and execute activities to lead its COVID-19 program. This includes developing and maintaining post-marketing commitments for COVID-19 already approved as well as the epidemiological strategy for COVID-19 vaccines in Moderna’s pipeline. A PhD in epidemiology is preferred along with ≥10 years of industry experience, preferably within vaccine development or infectious diseases. The candidate will join a dynamic team of epidemiologists at the forefront of mRNA vaccine/therapeutic development.

Moderna’s Epidemiology team supports a broad network of internal stakeholders across multiple functional areas through evidence generation and synthesis. Major points of focus include designing and implementing epidemiological studies, analyzing data, and providing scientific leadership to advance our respiratory vaccine development.

The successful candidate is driven, curious, collaborative, with a bold ambition to contribute to the development of ground-breaking mRNA-based vaccines. The candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills and a collaborative mindset. The ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment is essential.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Accountable for the leadership, development, and execution of the Epidemiology strategy for COVID (product and team lead).
• Provide epidemiologic input to the product development, pre-clinical, clinical, safety, and regulatory affairs teams, contributing to the integrated evidence plans for COVID vaccines.
• Support the design and execution of pre- and post-marketing epidemiology plans, including burden of disease studies, literature reviews and gap analyses, mathematical modeling, and post-marketing safety, effectiveness, and impact studies, as needed.
• Set the scientific direction and develop protocols, data analysis plans, study reports and peer-reviewed publications to support COVID vaccines.
• Actively contribute to the development of Target Product Profiles, particularly in terms of demonstrating burden of disease/unmet medical need and shaping post-licensure plans.
• Serve as a key partner with Medical Affairs, Commercial, and HEOR teams in terms of market-shaping activities, including collaboration on health economic models.
• Develop collaborations with external experts and investigators to facilitate epidemiologic data generation activities.
• Provide epidemiologic support to other Moderna vaccine programs as needed.
• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships within the broader Moderna organization.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including clinical development, biostatistics, regulatory affairs, and external partners, to ensure alignment and integration of epidemiological data into the vaccine development program.
• Analyze epidemiological data to generate insights on disease burden, transmission dynamics, and vaccine impact. Utilize methodologies to ensure robust data analysis.
• Present findings to a diverse audience of internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead or contribute to epidemiology content for regulatory submission documents; interact with regulatory agencies and other external authorities as needed.
• Contribute to epidemiologic knowledge of COVID in the external environment via abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations at academic conferences.
• Contribute to the culture of quality and methodologic rigor in the design and execution of epidemiologic activities to the highest standard of quality and compliance.
• Oversee direct reports.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior epidemiologists and other team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• PhD in Epidemiology is preferred; related field and equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• ≥10 years’ experience in an industry setting, preferably in vaccines or a related therapeutic area. Preference given to candidates with previous experience in vaccine development, infectious diseases, and particularly COVID or other respiratory viruses. Proven ability to:
• Plan and execute epidemiologic studies and related activities
• Deliver high-quality results within established timelines
• Demonstrated track record in leading cross-functional teams and work streams.
• Proficiency in epidemiological study design, data analysis, and use of large electronic healthcare databases (e.g., EHR, administrative/claims data).
• Creative problem-solver with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail, internal drive to generate high-quality work, and sense of passion and urgency to achieve team and program goals.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills commensurate with the need to work closely with CROs, investigators, consultants, and Moderna team members across functions in a matrix environment.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills to meet the needs of varied audiences.
• Integrated understanding of global regulatory authorities, ICH GCP, and GPP/GEP guidelines; prior interaction with major regulators and public health agencies is preferred.
• This role is based in our new LEED-certified HQ in Cambridge, MA and is expected to be in office 70% of the time with flexibility to work from home up to 30%.

Moderna is pleased to provide you and your family with a comprehensive and innovative suite of benefits, including:

• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
• Lifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activities
• Family care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoring
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Exclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipment
• Adoption and family-planning benefits
• Dedicated care coordination support for our LGBTQ+ community
• Generous paid time off, including:
  • Vacation, sick time and holidays
  • Volunteer time to participate within your community
  • Discretionary year-end shutdown
  • Paid sabbatical after 5 years; every 3 years thereafter
• Generous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents
• 401k match and Financial Planning tools
• Moderna-paid Life, LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit options
• Complimentary concierge service including home services research, travel booking, and entertainment requests
• Free parking or subsidized commuter passes
• Location-specific perks and extras!

About Moderna:

Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.

By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities.

We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S.

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute and make a meaningful impact.

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free and drug-free work environment.

Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!

Moderna is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity are critical to the success of our company and our impact on society. We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees and believe that by cultivating diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we can provide an environment where every employee is able to contribute their best.

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations team at [e-mail]. (EEO/AAP Employer)