Moderna · 1 day ago
Associate Counsel, Discovery and Research
Cambridge, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$159K/yr - $286K/yr
4+ years expModerna is a leading biotechnology company focused on mRNA technology. The Associate Counsel – Discovery and Research will provide legal support across discovery and research initiatives, public health contracts, and business development activities, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives.
BiotechnologyGeneticsHealth CareMedicalPharmaceuticalTherapeutics
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Provide comprehensive legal support for Moderna’s discovery and research teams, including advising on collaborations, sponsored research, and other R&D-related activities
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts supporting both internal research efforts and external partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and collaborators
Advise on and support public health contracts and initiatives, including agreements with government agencies, global health partners, and non-profit organizations that advance Moderna’s mission to improve global health
Support legal strategy and contracting on complex collaborations, joint ventures, investments, and licensing transactions, ensuring alignment with Moderna’s broader business and scientific goals
Partner with teams across our organization and provide strategic guidance for the development and expansion of pre-clinical and clinical assets, acting as an enterprise connector to ensure consistency and compliance
Support the creation and continuous improvement of templates, playbooks, and contract processes, integrating AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
Manage a diverse portfolio of agreements, balancing multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and adherence to internal policies
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal clients, serving as a responsive, solutions-oriented legal partner
Qualification
Required
J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice in good standing
4–7 years of relevant experience in a law firm and/or in-house legal department, preferably within the life sciences, biotechnology, or public health sectors
Strong experience with research-related and collaboration contracts; familiarity with government or public health contracting a plus
Demonstrated ability to provide clear, practical legal advice that balances business goals with compliance and risk mitigation
Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues
Curiosity about scientific innovation and comfort working with technical subject matter
Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Commitment to collaboration, integrity, and client service
Interest in digital transformation and familiarity with AI-enabled legal tools or data-driven process improvements
Benefits
Best-in-class healthcare coverage, 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 planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
Savings and investment opportunities to help you plan for the future
Location-specific perks and extras
Company
Moderna
Moderna Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that specializes in vaccines and drug development.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$4.56BKey Investors
Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness InnovationsAres ManagementU.S. Department of Health & Human Services
2025-12-18Grant· $54.3M
2025-11-20Post Ipo Debt· $600M
2024-07-02Grant· $176M
Leadership Team
Stephane Bancel
Founding CEO
Kenneth Chien
Co-Founder
Recent News
2025-12-30
The Motley Fool
2025-12-27
2025-12-22
Company data provided by crunchbase