Lead Scientist: Antibody Discovery & Engineering

BioSpace; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 142,500 - 256,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive healthcare

Well-being resources

Generous PTO and global recharge days

Job summary

Moderna in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead integrated antibody discovery and engineering campaigns across oncology and autoimmune programs, from concept through lead nomination.

You will partner with design, structural and computational biology teams, mentor scientists, and drive outsourcing to CROs, shaping next‑generation antibody therapeutics in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology or related field with 5+ years in antibody discovery/engineering/biologics discovery.
• Proven track record leading therapeutic antibody discovery campaigns from concept to lead identification or nomination.
• Deep expertise in antibody biology, structure-function, discovery platforms, and optimization.
• Hands-on immunization-based discovery including antigen design, B cell screening, sequencing, and repertoire analysis.
• Experience with display technologies for engineering, affinity maturation, and developability improvements.
• Strong molecular biology skills: cloning, library construction, expression, purification, and analytical characterization.
• Experience evaluating outsourced discovery/engineering workflows with CROs.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Collaborative, proactive approach in fast-paced, cross-functional environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated antibody discovery and engineering campaigns from concept through lead nomination.
• Develop discovery strategies including target evaluation, immunization design, B cell screening, and data-driven lead selection.
• Design and oversee antibody generation workflows: immunizations, B cell discovery, display campaigns, maturation, humanization, format conversion, expression, purification, and characterization.
• Engineer antibodies across formats (IgG, Fab, scFv, bispecifics; T cell engagers, CAR‑related formats).
• Characterize candidates using biochemical, biophysical, and functional assays for binding, specificity, developability, and MOA.
• Partner with structural/computational biology, antigen design, and project teams to advance programs.
• Analyze datasets, identify risks, and develop mitigation strategies for program decisions.
• Monitor emerging antibody technologies and translate advances into capabilities.
• Prepare technical reports, plans, and presentations for leadership and governance forums.
• Lead cross-functional discussions and mentor scientists or associates.

Skills

Antibody discovery

Antibody engineering

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Immunization strategies

Education

PhD in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, protein engineering, cancer biology

Tools

Biacore

Carterra

Octet

ELISA

MSD

Job description

Moderna in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead integrated antibody discovery and engineering campaigns across oncology and autoimmune programs, from concept through lead nomination.

You will partner with design, structural and computational biology teams, mentor scientists, and drive outsourcing to CROs, shaping next‑generation antibody therapeutics in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.