Scientist, Infectious Disease Research

The Role:
Moderna Infectious Disease Research is seeking a talented, creative, and motivated scientist with experience in using protein biochemistry and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to inform vaccine antigen design, to be part of the Antigen Design and Selection team. The Scientist will be part of a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and fast-paced team that is translating Moderna’s mRNA technology into an exceptionally broad portfolio of vaccines and therapeutics against infectious diseases. The Scientist will employ their expertise in structural biology, protein biochemistry and biophysics, and vaccinology, including cryo-EM polyclonal antibody epitope mapping (cryoEMPEM), to assist the design and evaluation of novel vaccines and therapeutics that can be delivered via Moderna’s mRNA/LNP technology platform. In this work, the Scientist will collaborate with other cross-functional teams within Moderna and with external groups to advance and develop novel mRNA-based vaccine candidates. Located in Cambridge, MA, the Scientist should be outstanding in their fields of expertise, a collaborative team member and excellent communicator, and should be excited to work with cutting edge mRNA technology in the advancement of vaccines and therapeutics for human health.

This is a unique opportunity to work in an innovative environment on a truly transformative infectious diseases platform.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Generate and interpret structural data for various antigens and antigen-antibody complexes by cryo-electron microscopy and other biochemical and biophysical approaches.

• Dissect polyclonal antibody specificities induced by vaccines through application of EMPEM and cryoEMPEM.

• Produce recombinant protein and protein-antibody complexes for structural studies by using an array of cell culture systems and purification methods.

• Apply scientific expertise to design mRNA vaccine and immunotherapy candidates. Propose novel vaccine and therapeutic targets aligned with Moderna’s scientific strategy and capabilities.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams across the Moderna ecosystem, collaborators and CROs to progress candidates from discovery through IND-enabling studies.

• Maintain expertise in the fields of structural biology and infectious disease vaccines; thoroughly keeping up to date with literature, attend relevant meetings, and liaise with external experts in the field.

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

• Provide scientific and technical support for multidisciplinary project teams.

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

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

• PhD with expertise in structural biology, vaccinology and immunology, and experience in structural biology to guide vaccine design in academia or industry.

• Expertise in molecular biology and protein biochemistry (e.g. cell culture, transfections, transductions, protein chromatography, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and flow cytometry) is necessary.

• Experience in recombinant protein production and characterization is required.

• Knowledge of virology or bacteriology would be a plus.

• Experience in design and functional evaluation of antibodies is desirable.

• Experience in biophysical analysis of protein-protein interactions by SPR and/or Octet is desirable.

• Track record of publications and presentations in the field of structural biology and vaccine development is required.

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

Moderna is pleased to provide you and your family with a comprehensive and innovative suite of benefits, including:

• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
• Lifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activities
• Family care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoring
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes 
• Exclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipment