For Michelle Patel, joining Moderna was about taking the next step in her career andfinding the right place to drive meaningful change in medicine. She had spent years working across different biotechnology companies, witnessing firsthand the promise of scientific breakthroughs. She also understood that turning innovation into real treatments required more than just great science—it demanded urgency, focus and the right people and environment to move forward discoveries.
“I wanted to be at the precipice of potentially changing the way we think about treating cancers, rare diseases and beyond,” Michelle explains. She had watched Moderna move quickly during the pandemic, proving that the Company could develop innovative technology and also deliver it at scale. “We all saw the work Moderna did during the time of crisis for the world. I knew I wanted to be part of a team that moved differently, that refused to accept 'normal' when people’s lives were at stake,” she says.
“This is a company built on the idea of transforming medicine by driving novel technological advancements,” Michelle says. “We’re always focused on what comes next—how we apply what we’ve learned and push the platform further.” For Michelle, this is more than an exciting opportunity—it’s a responsibility. The next generation of therapies could redefine treatment for some of the toughest diseases and getting there won’t be easy. It requires tackling the unknown, embracing risk and staying focused on the mission despite the challenges.
Michelle is ready for it. “I’ll run through brick walls for patients, and I’m surrounded by people who feel the same way. This work demands boldness. We don’t stop at challenges—we outthink, outwork and overcome them."
The Challenge Ahead
At Moderna, Michelle plays a key role in enabling strategic planning and collaboration across teams in therapeutics and oncology. Her work is all about empowering teams to bring their best ideas forward, adapt to challenges and maximize their collective impact in an ever-changing landscape.
The biotech industry is high-risk by nature, and the demands can be relentless. Progress doesn’t come with certainty, and even the most promising ideas take time to develop but the potential impact makes the work meaningful—the chance to bring new treatments to patients who need them.
Michelle knows that making the best decisions in this environment comes with challenges. Every day brings new data, new variables and new questions. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. That’s why she encourages teams to embrace adaptability as a strength—staying aligned and open to new possibilities, while keeping a sharp focus on the mission.
A Future Built on Innovation
Moderna continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in medicine, tackling complex challenges and advancing new treatments that could make a real difference for patients. With several potential medicines in late-stage trials, the Company is preparing for key milestones in the coming years, including multiple anticipated approvals starting in 2025.
“There’s no playbook for what we’re doing,” Michelle says. “But that’s what makes it exciting—everyone here has the chance to make a real impact.”
For Michelle, that’s exactly why she came to Moderna. It’s about being part of the team shaping the future of medicine.
Learn more about how you can join Michelle and other changemakers at Moderna by visiting the careers page.