Moderna Infectious Disease Research Scientist – Biology & Immunology
At Moderna, we are pioneering the development of a new class of drugs made of messenger RNA (mRNA). This novel drug platform builds on the discovery that modified mRNA can direct the body’s cellular machinery to produce nearly any protein of interest, from native proteins to antibodies and other entirely novel protein constructs that can have therapeutic activity inside and outside of cells.
Job Title: Scientist, Infectious Disease Research
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Department: Research
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:
- An exceptional Ph.D. with expertise in structural biology, bacteriology and immunology is required. Knowledge of virology and viral immunology is a plus. We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience in structure-based vaccine design.
- Expertise in molecular biology and protein biochemistry (e.g. cell culture, transfections, transductions, protein chromatography, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and flow cytometry) is necessary.
- Experience in recombinant protein production and characterization is required; experience in the design and functional evaluation of antibodies is desirable.
- Proven track record of high-impact publications and presentations in the field of protein or antigen design and structural bacteriology.
- The ability to work in a cross-functional work environment is critical; strong leadership skills and independence are expected.
- Excellent written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills; ability to influence and collaborate in a team environment.
- The candidate will be curious in exploring new paths for vaccine and drug discovery, bold in proposing creative experimental designs and ideas. Will work collaboratively with multifunctional teams and will be relentless in pursuing successful outcomes.
The Role:
This role is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, talented, and motivated Scientist to be part of the Infectious Disease Research team at Moderna. The candidate will apply expertise in bacteriology, structural biology, and protein biochemistry to assist the design of novel vaccines and antibody-based therapies for bacterial diseases. The candidate will be working on the discovery and characterization of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine and immunotherapy candidates utilizing structural insights and techniques. The candidate will also collaborate with other cross-functional teams within Moderna and with external groups to advance and develop novel mRNAs-based vaccine candidates. Located in Cambridge, MA, the Scientist should be outstanding in their fields of expertise, collaborative team members and excellent communicators, and should be excited to work with cutting edge mRNA technology in the advancement of vaccines against bacterial pathogens.
Here’s What You’ll Do:
- Generate and interpret structural data for bacterial antigens by utilizing structural biology methodologies, including x-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscope, and other biochemical and biophysical approaches.
- Produce recombinant protein and protein-antibody complexes for structural studies by using an array of cell culture systems and purification methods.
- Apply scientific expertise to design mRNA vaccine and immunotherapy candidates. Propose novel vaccine and therapeutic targets aligned with Moderna’s scientific strategy and capabilities.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams across the Moderna ecosystem, collaborators and CROs to progress candidates from discovery through IND-enabling studies.
- Maintain expertise in the fields of bacteriology, structural biology, and infectious disease vaccines; thoroughly keeping up to date with literature, attend relevant meetings, and liaise with external experts in the field.
- Manage multiple experiments, projects, and interactions with supporting functions.
- Provide scientific and technical support for multidisciplinary project teams.
- Prepare documents and present strategy, results, project updates, and summaries.
Here’s What We’ll Bring to the Table:
- On-site subsidized cafeteria or catered lunches
- Company-provided iPhone
- Free parking, monthly subway pass or a subsidized commuter rail pass
- Free annual corporate membership to Bluebikes
- Highly competitive healthcare coverage including: medical offered through BCBS (HMO/PPO), dental, and vision offered through VSP
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
- 16 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents
- 16 weeks 100% paid family caregiver leave
- 20 weeks 100% paid medical leave
- Eligible for “Moderna Month” (one month paid sabbatical after five years of service and eligible for an additional one month paid sabbatical every 3 years thereafter)
- Adoption assistance and discounts to local childcare centers, as well as access to care.com
- 401k (traditional and Roth offered) with 50% match on first 6% deferred. The match is vested immediately
- A suite of Moderna paid insurance coverage, including life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
- Voluntary legal assistance plan
- 15 days’ vacation and 7 sick days per year, in addition to a discretionary winter shut down and 11 company paid holidays (includes 2 floating holidays)
Moderna Infectious Disease Research
