The RoleThis role will lead Moderna's R&D collaboration strategy in Canada, shaping and expanding the company's footprint within the national life sciences ecosystem. The lead will define and execute a clear vision for partnership-driven innovation, identifying and advancing opportunities that accelerate scientific discovery and strengthen Moderna's long-term position in Canada.
With deep knowledge of Canada's R&D landscape, the lead will serve as a critical bridge between Moderna's global R&D organization and leading Canadian scientific institutions, aligning external opportunities with enterprise priorities and Canada's broader biomanufacturing and life sciences strategy.
The role is accountable for translating strategy into execution: developing robust business cases, aligning on value creation and capture, and driving delivery through cross-functional coordination. They will engage senior stakeholders across academia, biotech, and government to build durable partnerships and a shared understanding of impact.
This individual will identify, evaluate, and advance partnership models including research collaborations, joint ventures, technology licensing, and ecosystem development initiatives. They will ensure disciplined execution through structured planning, resource allocation, and risk management, while coordinating interdependencies across global and local teams.
The role reports to the Executive Director, Resilience R&D and Partnerships, and is a member of the Moderna Canada Leadership Team and global Resilience R&D and Partnership team, which includes colleagues in the UK and Australia.
Here's What You'll Do- Define and lead a comprehensive R&D strategy for Canada aligned with Moderna's global priorities and long-term platform vision.
- Map and continuously assess the Canadian R&D ecosystem to identify high-value areas for engagement, investment, and collaboration.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with senior stakeholders across government, academia, industry, and international partners.
- Originate, evaluate, and advance partnership opportunities, developing rigorous business cases and securing internal alignment.
- Drive cross-functional execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring clarity on priorities, timelines, and value delivery.
- Serve as the primary R&D interface for Canadian external stakeholders, including oversight of academic partnerships and business development activities.
- Represent Moderna externally through scientific forums, industry engagement, and thought leadership within the Canadian ecosystem.
- Lead multiple complex initiatives concurrently, ensuring disciplined execution, effective risk management, and strong cross-functional collaboration.
Here's What You'll Bring to the Table (Basic Qualifications)- Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or PharmD) in a relevant scientific discipline, with significant experience spanning industry, academia, or government.
- Demonstrated ability to shape strategy and influence senior stakeholders across complex, multi-sector environments.
- Strong track record of building and executing high-impact R&D partnerships or strategic initiatives with an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Experience in strategy development (consulting or equivalent) with the ability to translate insights into actionable plans.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional programs and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
- Excellent judgment, problem-solving, and risk management capabilities in ambiguous, high-stakes environments.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and drive alignment across diverse stakeholders.
- Prioritize the platform: Advance R&D strategies that reinforce and expand Moderna's mRNA platform in alignment with global priorities.
- We obsess over learning: Continuously evaluate the external landscape to identify, test, and scale high-impact partnership opportunities.
- We question convention: Challenge traditional partnership models to unlock new sources of value across the Canadian life sciences ecosystem.
Pay & BenefitsAt Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That's why our global benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you-at work, at home, and everywhere in between.- Best-in-class healthcare, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
- A holistic approach to well-being with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
- Family building benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
- Savings and investments to help you plan for the future
- Location-specific perks and extras
The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.
