Lead Counsel – Poland

Joining Moderna offers the unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team thats revolutionizing medicine through mRNA technology, with a diverse pipeline of development programs across various diseases.

As an employee, youll be part of a continually growing organization, working alongside exceptional colleagues and strategic partners worldwide, contributing to global health initiatives.

Modernas commitment to advancing the technological frontier of mRNA medicines ensures a challenging and rewarding career experience, with the potential to make a significant impact on patients lives worldwide.

Moderna is solidifying its presence within our international business services hub in Warsaw, Poland, a city renowned for its rich scientific and technological heritage. This hub provides critical functions, meeting the growing demand of Moderna’s global business operations. Were inviting professionals from around the world to join our mission and contribute to the future of mRNA medicines.

As Lead Counsel – Poland, you will be Moderna’s most senior legal presence in Warsaw, directing a team of legal professionals while aligning with global colleagues across the organization. This Director‑level position places you at the intersection of strategic legal leadership and Moderna’s cutting‑edge business operations in Poland.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Warsaw-based legal team covering contracts, R&D, commercial, CMC, and international legal matters.
• Serve as the senior legal representative in Poland, providing strategic counsel to local and regional leadership.
• Partner with global legal colleagues to ensure jurisdictional alignment, consistency, and compliance across the Moderna network.
• Negotiate and draft complex commercial agreements, including those related to sales, distribution, licensing, R&D collaborations, and vendor engagements.
• Advise on Polish and EU regulatory frameworks relevant to biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare compliance, and market access.
• Mentor and develop a high‑performing legal team with an emphasis on collaboration and professional growth.
• Represent Moderna externally with regulators, stakeholders, and partners to safeguard the company’s interests.
• Support cross‑functional initiatives and integrate legal strategy into wider business operations.
• Apply AI‑enabled legal tools and data‑driven approaches to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and support legal innovation.

Required Qualifications

• Law degree and qualification to practice law in Poland.
• 12+ years of post‑qualification legal experience, with a strong mix of law firm and in‑house roles.
• Broad commercial legal experience, including market engagement, materials review and complex contract negotiation, sales and distribution, and strategic partnerships.
• Extensive experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare industries.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing legal professionals.
• Strong expertise in contracts, commercial transactions, R&D agreements, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Fluent in English and Polish (both written and spoken).
• Director‑level or equivalent experience in a multinational environment strongly preferred.
• Additional legal qualifications in EU or other jurisdictions a plus.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to integrate legal advice into strategic decision‑making.

Benefits

• Quality healthcare and insurance benefits.
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to create your own pathway to well‑being.
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes.
• Family planning and adoption benefits.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year‑end shutdown.
• Savings and investments.
• 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.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Legal

Equal Opportunity Statement

Moderna is committed to equal opportunity in employment and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a persons 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. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best.

Accommodations

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment 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 and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.

Additional Information

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!

For more information about our current opportunities, visit modernatx.com/careers.