What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, Research Strategic Operations position at Moderna?
The Role
The Strategic Operations Manager is a key contributor within the Research organization, responsible for the execution of strategic processes, facilitating preclinical reporting, and synthesizing data to support scenario planning and leadership communication. By working closely with the Lead of Strategic Operations and cross-functional stakeholders, this role ensures timely delivery of actionable information that guides decision-making and advances our early research and development pipeline.
Here’s What You’ll Do
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 leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. (EEO/AAP Employer)
The Strategic Operations Manager is a key contributor within the Research organization, responsible for the execution of strategic processes, facilitating preclinical reporting, and synthesizing data to support scenario planning and leadership communication. By working closely with the Lead of Strategic Operations and cross-functional stakeholders, this role ensures timely delivery of actionable information that guides decision-making and advances our early research and development pipeline.
Here’s What You’ll Do
- Pipeline Portfolio Management: Coordinate cross-functional inputs and data analysis to produce high-quality leadership updates (including EC memos and preclinical pipeline reporting), synthesizing progress, risks, and recommended actions. Model scenarios for pipeline prioritization and resource allocation to drive data-informed decisions. Provide support and inputs to ensure strategic meetings (e.g., Research & Operations Planning) maintain a coordinated and efficient research and development organization.
- Process Optimization & Tools: Maintain and refine operational workflows, templates, and analytics tools to enhance data accuracy and reporting efficiency, including portfolio and resource management tools. Identify and implement improvements that accelerate decision-making and minimize bottlenecks.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication. Support aggregation of essential inputs and dissemination of insights and timely updates. Champion best practices and ensure smooth coordination across the research portfolio.
- Risk Identification & Mitigation. Support the identification, assessment, and mitigation of portfolio-level risks, escalating critical concerns when necessary. Develop action plans and monitor execution to ensure issues are resolved quickly.
- Continuous Improvement. Contribute to strategic initiatives such as creating playbooks, training materials, and other frameworks that strengthen operational capabilities. Remain agile to evolving business needs, proactively identifying and addressing operational gaps.
- Education & Experience. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Business, or a related field, with 4–6 years of relevant experience in a biotech/pharma environment (ideally in strategic operations roles).
- Technical & Analytical Skills: Proficiency in strategic synthesis and reporting, with a demonstrated ability to synthesize complex data sets into actionable insights and leadership-level summaries.
- Knowledge of R&D Processes. Familiarity with preclinical phases of vaccine and therapeutic development, plus basic understanding of clinical development or CMC.
- Communication & Collaboration. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of crafting clear memos and presentations, while effectively building relationships and influencing colleagues at all levels.
- Organizational & Change Management Aptitude. Proven ability to optimize processes, manage competing priorities, contribute to cross-functional change initiatives, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
- 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!
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 leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. (EEO/AAP Employer)
