The Role:
This role is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, talented and motivated Senior Scientist to be part of the vaccine design and development team within Moderna Infectious Disease. The Senior Scientist will apply expertise in phylogenetics, bioinformatics, and immunology to the discovery, design and selection of targets for vaccines and antibodies. The Senior Scientist will support the design of novel prophylactic and therapeutic mRNA vaccines. The Senior Scientist will collaborate closely with other internal and external teams within different area of expertise such as structural biology, computational science, epidemiology, immunology, bacteriology and virology. The candidate will present their results internally and externally. Located in Cambridge, MA, the Senior Scientist should be outstanding in their expertise, have a proven track record of applying structural bioinformatics in vaccine-related research and development, collaborative team members and an excellent communicator.
Here’s What You’ll Do:
Bioinformatically analyze sequence data from human pathogens to gain insights into their evolution and genetic diversity to enable optimal antigen selection and design.
Perform T-cell and B-cell epitope prediction to assist immunogen design.
Work closely with cross-functional teams across the Moderna ecosystem, collaborators and CROs to identify and advance candidates from discovery through IND-enabling studies.
Interpret, troubleshoot, and report complex data.
Propose novel vaccine targets aligned with Moderna’s scientific strategy and capabilities.
Maintain expertise in the field of computational biology, vaccinology, infectious disease, immunotherapy and therapeutic developments, biomarkers and patient outcomes, 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 advice to multidisciplinary project teams.
Prepare documents and present strategy, results, project updates, and summaries.
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:
Exceptional PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or related field with 3+ years of post-PhD experience. Knowledge of vaccinology, microbiology, and immunology is required. We are particularly interested in candidates with prior experience in vaccine design.
Experience in phylogenetic analyses, virus evolution and resistance prediction is required.
Experience in sequence-feature analysis is required.
Experience in structural bioinformatics, such as homology modeling, free energy calculation, or molecular dynamics, is a plus.
Experience in T-cell and B-cell epitope prediction is a plus.
Proven track record of high impact publications and presentations in the field of computational biology, and/or immunology.
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.
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.
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 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. 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)
Please apply at www.modernatx.com