Sr. Scientist, Therapeutics & Translational Bioinformatics

Moderna Therapeutics; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 234,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Well-being programs

Paid time off

Location-specific perks

Job summary

Moderna Therapeutics is seeking a Senior Scientist in Therapeutics & Translational Bioinformatics to drive computational analyses for mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines. You will lead multi-omics and single-cell analyses, integrating TCR/BCR repertoire data to uncover biomarkers and patient stratification factors.

The role demands a PhD in a quantitative field with 2+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience, strong programming in R/Python, and expertise in cloud computing and AI-driven

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Immunology, Bioinformatics, Biomedical Engineering, or related quantitative field; 2+ years postdoc/industry experience.
• Strong foundation in computational biology and immunology; connect molecular findings to immune mechanisms.
• Experience applying computational analyses to human, preclinical, and in vitro data for therapeutic development.
• Experience with immune-mediated diseases, oncology, infectious diseases, or mRNA therapeutics/vaccines.
• Strong skills in processing and interpreting bulk and single-cell transcriptomics; multi-omics integration.
• Experience with machine-learning or advanced statistical models in biological datasets.
• Strong programming in R and/or Python; comfortable in Linux; use of AI-enabled tools for pipelines.
• Experience with cloud-based computing and platforms (AWS, GitHub/GitLab, Jupyter, Docker, Nextflow).
• Proven ability to lead complex computational projects and collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead computational efforts for therapeutic programs with cross-functional teams.
• Perform integrated multi-omics analyses across clinical, translational, and preclinical data.
• Conduct bulk and single-cell transcriptomic analyses with QC and annotation.
• Analyze TCR/BCR repertoires and relate clonotypes to phenotypes.
• Develop or apply ML/DL approaches for biomarker discovery and patient stratification.
• Integrate immune-assay data (flow, cytokines, serology, ELISpot) with analyses.
• Translate findings into testable hypotheses and actionable recommendations.
• Develop scalable, well-documented analytical pipelines using data science best practices.
• Communicate findings through presentations and regulatory/clinical docs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior scientists.

Skills

Computational biology

Immunology

Machine learning

Single-cell transcriptomics

TCR/BCR repertoire

Multi-omics integration

R/Python

Linux

Cloud computing

Education

PhD in Computational Immunology

Tools

Docker

Nextflow

GitHub

AWS

Job description

The Role Moderna is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist, Therapeutics & Translational Bioinformatics, to join a multidisciplinary team supporting the discovery and development of mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines. The role will advance early therapeutic development through computational analysis of human, clinical, and preclinical data while deepening our understanding of mRNA platform immunology through translational studies. This person will apply expertise in computational biology, immunology, machine learning/AI, and advanced statistical methods to identify therapeutic targets, biological mechanisms, biomarkers, response signatures, and patient‑level factors that inform program strategy. The successful candidate will have strong hands‑on experience with bulk and single‑cell transcriptomics and TCR/BCR repertoire analysis, integrated multi‑omics, and machine‑learning or deep‑learning approaches. The person will lead the computational effort for therapeutic or platform programs, partnering with multidisciplinary teams, and external collaborators to define scientific questions, guide study design, lead analyses, and translate biological data into actionable next steps. The successful candidate will be scientifically curious, quantitatively rigorous, comfortable operating in an interdisciplinary and rapidly evolving environment, and motivated by the opportunity to translate complex data into therapeutic impact.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Lead the computational effort for therapeutic and translational programs, partnering with Research, Translational Medicine, and Clinical Development teams to define computational strategies, data requirements, and analysis plans from discovery through early clinical development.
• Lead integrated multi‑omics analyses of data from human clinical and translational studies, preclinical models, and in vitro experiments to generate system‑level biological insights.
• Perform rigorous bulk and single‑cell transcriptomic analyses, including QC, cell‑type annotation, differential expression, trajectory inference, cell–cell communication, and cross‑study integration.
• Analyze bulk and single‑cell TCR/BCR repertoire data, including clonotype diversity, expansion, convergence, lineage relationships, and associations with cellular phenotypes.
• Develop or apply machine‑learning and deep‑learning approaches to high‑dimensional biological and clinical data for biomarker discovery, patient stratification, response and safety prediction, disease‑state characterization, and therapeutic target prioritization.
• Analyze and integrate immune‑assay data, including flow cytometry, cytokine and chemokine measurements, serology, ELISpot, intracellular cytokine staining, and other immune readouts.
• Translate computational findings into testable biological hypotheses and actionable recommendations for target and treatment modality selection, indication prioritization, MoA studies, biomarker strategies, patient selection, and study design.
• Leverage AI tools to develop and maintain scalable, reproducible, and well‑documented analytical algorithms and pipelines using modern data science best practices.
• Clearly communicate findings through presentations, technical reports, publications, study summaries, and regulatory or clinical‑development documents.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior computational scientists and contribute to the development of shared analytical standards, pipelines, and best practices.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table

• PhD in Computational Immunology, Bioinformatics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline, with at least 2 years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Strong scientific foundation in both computational biology and immunology, with the ability to connect molecular and cellular findings to immune mechanisms, human disease biology, and therapeutic development.
• Demonstrated experience applying computational analyses to human, preclinical and in vitro datasets to support therapeutic development, early drug discovery, and translational decision‑making.
• Relevant experience in immune‑mediated diseases, oncology, infectious diseases, immunotherapy, or the development of mRNA therapeutics or vaccines.
• Strong expertise in processing, analyzing, and biologically interpreting bulk and single‑cell transcriptome and integration with multiple omics modalities.
• Strong experience analyzing single‑cell TCR or BCR repertoire data, including integration of V(D)J information with cellular phenotypes and transcriptomic states.
• Demonstrated experience developing or applying machine‑learning methods and advanced statistical models, such as mixed‑effects and Bayesian approaches, to biological, immunological, or clinical datasets.
• Experience analyzing immune‑assay data, with a strong understanding of experimental design, statistical inference, biological variability, and data quality.
• Strong programming skills in R and/or Python, with experience in Linux environments, computational biology packages and workflows, and the use of AI‑enabled tools for code and pipeline development.
• Experience with cloud‑based computing and data science platforms, such as AWS, GitHub or GitLab, Jupyter, Nextflow, Docker, or similar technologies.
• Proven ability to independently lead complex computational projects, manage competing priorities, and deliver high‑quality analyses within program timelines.
• Strong written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, including comfort presenting scientific findings and recommendations to program teams and leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with experimental scientists, clinicians, translational researchers, data scientists, and other cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Record of scientific contributions demonstrated through publications, conference presentations, therapeutic program impact, analytical method development, or other relevant accomplishments.

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 $145,900.00 - $234,200.00. 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.

Moderna’s 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. 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].

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

Moderna will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. Please inform the company’s personnel representative by calling 617-460-9346 or emailing [e-mail] if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Third Party Staffing Agencies

Moderna does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates. For the protection of all parties involved in the recruiting process, resumes will only be accepted from recruiters/agencies if a signed agreement is in place at the inception of the recruiting effort and authorized for a specified position. Unsolicited resumes sent to Moderna from recruiters/agencies do not constitute any type of relationship between the recruiter/agency and Moderna and do not obligate Moderna to pay fees if we hire from those resumes.

Our Mission and Vision

At Moderna we are pioneering the development of a new class of drugs made of messenger RNA (mRNA). This novel drug platform builds on the discovery that modified mRNA can direct the body’s cellular machinery to produce nearly any protein of interest, from native proteins to antibodies and other entirely novel protein constructs that can have therapeutic activity inside and outside of cells. We have a clear mission to propel the field of mRNA science forward and deliver new medicines to patients and a unique vision for how to achieve this mission. Our Mission: To deliver on the promise of transformative messenger RNA (mRNA) science to bring new medicines to patients. Our Vision: To unlock the potential of mRNA by establishing an ecosystem of teams and partners that will work together to develop the broadest possible array of drugs, across diverse therapeutic areas and routes of administration, for serious diseases that are not treatable today.