Principal Scientist, ID Immunology

The Role:
The Infectious Disease team at Moderna is looking for a highly enthusiastic and talented Principal Scientist with expertise in vaccine immunology. This high-visibility position is based at the Moderna Cambridge site and will be reporting to a director. The applicant's primary role will be to lead a diverse range of immunology activities to facilitate the advancement of Moderna's mRNA technology platform. The individual in this role will provide infectious disease and mRNA-LNP platform-related investigations of molecular and cellular mechanisms of vaccines, working cross-functionally with other groups, including (but not limited to) RNA Science, Chemistry (LNP formulations), Protein Design, Biomarkers, and Computational Sciences. S/he should have an outstanding conceptual and demonstrated technical background in B cell/antibody immunology, and will have the ability to work in a highly collaborative, dynamic, and interdisciplinary environment. Applicants should be outstanding scientists, possess collaborative team spirit, be an excellent communicator, and should be excited to work with cutting edge mRNA technology in the advancement of vaccines and therapeutics against infectious disease threats.

Here's What You'll Do:

• Lead and support multiple workstreams assessing mechanisms of action underlying vaccine immunogenicity and reactogenicity in pre-clinical and clinical research studies to inform and advance infectious disease programs.

• Apply infectious disease immunology expertise in the optimization, execution, analysis, and reporting of in vitro immunological assays such as analytical flow cytometry, ELISA, EliSpot, cell sorting and sequencing to examine the specificity, phenotype, and function of immune cells and antibodies.

• Perform cell and multiplex analyte assays, including maintaining and plating of cell lines and primary cells

• Maintain expertise in the field of Immunology, through keeping abreast of literature, attending relevant meetings, and liaison with external experts in the field.

• Provide scientific and technical support for multidisciplinary project teams.

•  Prepare documents and present strategy, results, project updates, and summaries.

• Manage multiple experiments, projects, and interactions with supporting functions.

Here's What You'll Bring to the Table:

• PhD (microbiology, immunology or a related discipline) with a minimum of 5+ years of experience in Immunology, with a preference given to experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting.

• Experience in infectious disease is preferred.

• Required: Experience in flow cytometry, single cell sequencing, and antibody characterization assays

• Experience managing 1+ researchers in a dynamic environment.

• Contributions to high impact publications and presentations in the field of immunology

• The ability to work in a cross-functional work environment is critical; strong leadership skills and independence skills 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 path for drug discovery, bold in proposing creative experimental designs and ideas. Will work collaboratively with multifunctional teams and will be relentless in pursuing successful outcomes.

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 a suite of voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
• A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to personalize your well-being journey
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investment opportunities
• Location-specific perks and extras

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 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  

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.

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