Associate Director, Virology and Infectious Diseases, Valera

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.

Valera is seeking a highly motivated managing bench-scientist to support its efforts in developing next-generation mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. This individual will oversee a team of researchers focused on investigating new approaches for infectious diseases vaccines and multi-specific therapeutic antibodies against a variety of targets. Expertise in In Vitro and In Vivo models for evaluation of vaccine and anti-viral candidates is essential. Additional experience with antibacterial research is a plus.

• Hands-on and technical and team leadership of all aspects of virology and infectious disease research.
• Oversee scientists and research associates or members of project teams (as needed) in the initiation and execution of laboratory experimentation.
• Oversee in vitro and in vivo infectious disease models with a particular focus in molecular virology.
• Demonstrate leadership in the laboratory, oversee and delegate experimental/project responsibilities, independently champion technology development projects, be involved in new product evaluation, and definition of process platforms.
• Communicate project goals and results to team members across functional roles/departments. Identify issues and develop solutions in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment.

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and 8 or more years of relevant industry experience
• 2 + years’ Experience in managing a research team
• Hands-on experience in a wide range of laboratory techniques, especially handling a variety of viruses, carrying out animal studies, biological assays, cell culture, ELISA, Western blot, intracellular cytokine staining, flow cytometry, RNA isolation and RT-PCR, and qPCR.
• Motivated, high energy, organized and familiar with the relevant literature as well as innovative scientific thought

Preferred Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and 10 or more years of relevant industry experience with 5+ years managing research teams and projects in a biopharma industry setting