Principal Scientist, Protein Design

BioSpace; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 143,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

Moderna is seeking a Principal Scientist to provide technical leadership for in vitro selection and cell-surface screening of glycoprotein antigens. You will design and advance high-throughput mammalian display platforms and partner with computational design teams to refine candidates at scale.

You will mentor junior scientists, contribute to cross-functional discovery discussions, and help shape the integration of in vitro selection with AI- and structure-guided design across Moderna’s

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related field.
• 5+ years leading in vitro selection or mammalian display.
• Ability to drive complex screening campaigns end-to-end.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of in vitro selection and cell-surface screening campaigns.
• Design and run high-throughput mammalian display campaigns.
• Build scalable screening systems replacing plate-based assays.
• Develop advanced in vitro selection and directed-evolution capabilities.
• Collaborate with computational design teams to generate datasets.
• Provide mentorship to other scientists.
• Represent in cross-functional discovery discussions.
• Mentor junior scientists to elevate design quality.

Skills

In vitro selection

Mammalian display

Directed evolution

Computational protein design

Leadership

Mentorship

Education

PhD in Immunology / Molecular Biology / Biochemistry

Tools

NGS data analysis

Bioinformatics workflows

Protein design software

Job description

The Role

Moderna is seeking an individual to provide technical leadership for in vitro selection and cell-surface screening of viral and bacterial antigens. This role will lead the design, execution, and continuous advancement of high-throughput mammalian cell–based screening platforms that interrogate broadly applicable design principles for glycoprotein antigens, enabling antigen optimization, improved expression and durability across multiple programs, and rapid maturation of computationally designed candidates.

The Role

Moderna is seeking an individual to provide technical leadership for in vitro selection and cell-surface screening of viral and bacterial antigens. This role will lead the design, execution, and continuous advancement of high-throughput mammalian cell–based screening platforms that interrogate broadly applicable design principles for glycoprotein antigens, enabling antigen optimization, improved expression and durability across multiple programs, and rapid maturation of computationally designed candidates.

The perfect candidate will provide technical leadership through direct involvement in the design and execution of complex in vitro selection campaigns, setting experimental strategy and partnering closely with computational protein design teams to ensure designs are evaluated and refined at scale. In addition to antigen-focused efforts, this individual will be cross-trained to support screening of de neo designed proteins, including minibinders and VHHs, as a shared discovery resource. This role is intended for a scientist ready to own and evolve a core discovery capability, led by scientific judgment and execution, and shape in vitro selection integrates with AI- and structure-guided design across Moderna’s pipeline.

The candidate in this position 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

• Lead execution of in vitro selection and cell-surface screening campaigns, providing technical leadership through direct involvement in experimental design and execution.
• Design and run high-throughput mammalian display campaigns for complex, multimeric glycoproteins.
• Build and deploy scalable screening systems that replace resource-intensive plate-based assays.
• Develop and operationalize advanced in vitro selection and directed-evolution capabilities, including novel selection pressures and expanded mammalian display modalities.
• Serve as a key experimental partner to computational protein design teams, generating high-quality datasets and actionable design feedback.
• Provide technical mentorship and scientific guidance to other scientists.
• Represent in vitro selection capabilities in cross-functional discovery and platform discussions.
• Mentor and technically guide junior scientists to elevate overall design quality.

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

• PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Protein Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of post-PhD industry or equivalent experience leading in vitro selection, mammalian cell-surface display, or directed-evolution efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to drive complex screening campaigns end-to-end.
• Deep expertise in mammalian display systems, high-throughput selection strategies, and experimental assay design.
• Strong working knowledge of computational, structure-based, or AI-driven protein design workflows.
• Scientific independence, judgment, and ownership consistent with a Principal Scientist role.

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

• Expertise with glycoprotein antigen expression and engineering (e.g., strategies around folding, trafficking, cleavage, stability, and glycan impacts).
• Strong capabilities in library design and construction (site-saturation, combinatorial, error-prone, DNA assembly), plus NGS-based readouts and quantitative enrichment analysis.
• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Pay & Benefits

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.

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.

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 [e-mail].

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.