Principal Scientist, Computational Protein Design

The Role:

Moderna is seeking a candidate to support protein design for vaccines and biologics across the mRNA pipeline. This is a hands-on scientific role for an experienced designer with deep understanding of protein structure, binding interfaces, and computational design methods and workflows, and track record of producing designs that are validated in vitro and in vivo. The candidate should be motivated by solving challenging biological problems.

In this position, you will serve as a design lead on multiple high-impact programs. You will work closely with experimental, immunology, and discovery teams to design antigens, binders, and antibodies for mRNA therapeutics, applying state-of-the-art deep learning and structure-based design tools in partnership with in vitro selection and screening teams. You will help to develop and operationalize protein design rules calibrated to in vivo mRNA delivery. As a Principal Scientist, you will also help shape design standards, mentor other designers, and act as a visible scientific leader in computational protein design across the organization. 

The Principal Scientist will work closely with and report to the Senior Director, Computational Design and In Vitro Selection, and will also work closely with the VP, Protein Design, as well as other members of Research, to advance novel candidates to the clinic, drive exploratory trials to inform the generation of improved vaccine antigens and explore new concepts for mRNA medicines. 

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Serve as the computational protein design lead for vaccine and biologics programs, owning design strategy and technical decision-making.

• Design antigens, binders, and antibodies using state-of-the-art design approaches.

• Partner closely with experimental teams by interpreting data from in vitro selection and screening efforts to drive iterative design cycles.

• Provide design guidance on library construction, mutational strategies, and hypothesis testing.

• Mentor and technically guide junior designers to elevate overall design quality.

• Contribute to cross-functional program strategy discussions.

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Computational Biology, or a related field and 5+ of experience.

• Extensive post-PhD experience consistent with a Principal Scientist-level role in computational protein design.

• Proven track record of owning and delivering designs for vaccines, antibodies, or biologics.

• Deep expertise in structure-based protein and interface design.

• Ability to mentor, review, and elevate the work of other designers.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Minimal coding expertise in python or similar language

• Experience with specific structure-based design tools: Rosetta and ProteinMPNN

• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• 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

The salary range for this role is $142,500.00 - $256,500.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

About Moderna

Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.  

By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities. 

We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S. 

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities. 

Our Working Model 

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact. 

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment. 

Equal Opportunities

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's 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.  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!

Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 

Accommodations

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. 

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation 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 team at [email protected]. 

Export Control Notice This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license. #LI-NH1

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