Sr. Scientist, Immuno-Oncology Research

Moderna; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive healthcare

Bonus potential

Mentoring and career development

In-office collaboration focus

Job summary

Moderna is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead discovery, design, and preclinical development of new mRNA-based immunotherapies for cancer. You will work with in vitro and ex vivo systems and design and analyze in vivo studies to characterize therapeutic performance.

The role requires a Ph.D. or equivalent with strong research accomplishments and the ability to mentor junior colleagues in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent with strong publication record
• Solid background in immunology and immuno-oncology
• Ability to design and execute preclinical experiments
• Experience mentoring and collaborating in cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal teams to evaluate novel mRNA therapeutics (cellular and biochemical endpoints)
• Develop, characterize and validate in vitro assays and animal models to test various mRNA therapeutics
• Collect, archive, organize, and analyze samples from in vivo studies and perform downstream analyses
• Deliver reproducible and impactful results under ambitious timelines
• Plan experiments, interpret data, and present findings in program team and cross-functional meetings
• Mentor or manage junior scientists to expand scientific and people impact
• Contribute to reports, patent filings, and regulatory submissions

Skills

Immunology expertise

Preclinical drug development

Mentoring junior scientists

Independent research track record

Effective communication and teamwork

Team-oriented mindset

Education

Ph.D. in a biological science

BS/MS with extensive industry experience

Job description

The Role

Moderna is looking for a talented and motivated Senior Scientist to focus on discovery, design, and preclinical development of new mRNA-based immunotherapies for cancer. Successful candidates will primarily work with in vitro and ex vivo systems as well as design and analyze in vivo studies to characterize the performance of novel therapeutics. Applicants should be great team members, have a demonstrable track record of independent research accomplishments, and the ability to mentor junior colleagues. The ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others, as well as a passion for drug discovery are required.

The Role

Moderna is looking for a talented and motivated Senior Scientist to focus on discovery, design, and preclinical development of new mRNA-based immunotherapies for cancer. Successful candidates will primarily work with in vitro and ex vivo systems as well as design and analyze in vivo studies to characterize the performance of novel therapeutics. Applicants should be great team members, have a demonstrable track record of independent research accomplishments, and the ability to mentor junior colleagues. The ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others, as well as a passion for drug discovery are required.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with internal teams to evaluate novel mRNA therapeutics (cellular and biochemical endpoints)
• Develop, characterize and validate in vitro assays and animal models to test various mRNA therapeutics
• Collect, archive, organize, and analyze samples, including those from in vivo studies, and execute downstream analyses
• Deliver reproducible and impactful results under ambitious timelines
• Execute and troubleshoot standard protocols, adapt new protocols into practice, and query literature to incorporate additional assays as needed
• Independently plan experiments and analyze, interpret, and present data in program team, department, and cross-functional meetings
• Ideate novel or next gen therapeutic concepts using historical/platform knowledge, published reports, or experimental data
• Mentor or manage junior scientists to expand scientific and people impact
• Faithfully document scientific work
• Contribute to reports, patent filings, regulatory submissions, and presentations for both in/external consumption

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

• Ph.D. in a biological science or B.S/M.S. with extensive relevant experience and at least 2 years industry experience.
• Solid background in immunology, immuno-oncology, and/or tumor biology
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute experimental plans for a preclinical drug development program
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative and cross-functional team environment

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

• 5 years of industry experience.
• Expertise in multi-parameter conventional and spectral flow cytometry
• Expertise phenotyping murine, NHP, and human immune cells
• Expertise executing primary immune cell assays and mechanism of action studies
• Experience with biodistribution, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic analyses using biochemical and flow cytometry assays
• Nucleic acid quantification expertise:
• Isolation of nucleic acids from cultured cells and harvested tissue
• Quantification via qPCR, other formats such as bDNA-based approaches
• Protein quantification expertise:
• Isolation of protein lysates from cultured cells and harvested tissue
• Protein quantification via Western, ELISA, MSD, Luminex-based assays
• Tissue/cell culture expertise:
• Cell passaging, archiving, transfection and cell-based functional assays
• Primary cell isolation and culture, particularly with hematopoietic cells
• Extremely sound tissue culture and general laboratory techniques
• Scientific rigor, strong work ethic, results orientation, adaptable, strong communication skills
• 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 benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Competitive healthcare, 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 investments to help you plan for the future
• Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $130,800.00 - $209,400.00. 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 [e-mail].