Scientist, Computational Antigen Design, Infectious Disease Research

The Role:Moderna Infectious Disease Research is seeking a talented, creative, and motivated scientist with experience in computational protein design, bioinformatics and vaccine 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 computational protein structure prediction and design, and vaccinology, 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:Use state of the art modeling and design software and algorithms to investigate protein structures and sequences from viral and bacterial pathogens and to design new vaccine antigens and therapeutics to be tested in vitro and in vivo by other team members.Develop a deep biological understanding of each vaccine or therapeutic target through literature and data review and discussions with colleagues, formulate design requirements based on this understanding, and incorporate these requirements into the computational design processCollaborate with team members to formulate experimental plans to evaluate designed antigens and therapeuticsCollaborate with team members to plan in vitro evolution compaigns to refine computationally designed antigens and therapeutics and to analyze the results of such campaigns.Collaborate with team members to analyze biophysical, structural, and immunological data related to evaluation of designed antigens and therapeutics, and develop improved designs based on the data from the previous iteration.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 computational protein structural modeling and design, AI methods for design and analysis, and infectious disease vaccines; thoroughly keeping up to date with literature, attending relevant meetings, and liaising with external experts in the field.Manage multiple projects and interactions with supporting functions in parallel.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:Exceptional PhD with expertise in computational protein design, bioinformatics, and protein biochemistry and biophysics.Experience with Rosetta and state-of-the-art machine-learning methods for protein design, including but not limited to RFDiffusion, ProteinMPNN, and AlphaFold2.Proficiency in Linux-based systems, scripting languages (e.g. Python/R/Perl), high throughput computing architectures such as AWS, and a good working knowledge of relevant data analysis and visualization packages.Track record of publications and presentations in the fields of protein design and vaccine development.Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.Proven ability to interpret complex data and present conclusions in a clear and understandable way to a broad audience.The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional work environment.Positive team building and teamwork skills, willing to give and receive constructive feedbackExcellent 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 designs and ideas. Will work collaboratively with multifunctional teams and will be relentless in pursuing successful outcomes.Experience in wet lab molecular biology and protein biochemistry, including protein production and purification in mammalian and bacterial cells, is desirable.Experience in biophysical analysis to determine protein melting temperature and solution multimeric state, and experience is desirable.Experience in assessing protein-protein interactions by SPR and/or Octet is desirable.Experience in design and functional evaluation of antibodies is desirable.Understanding of immunology, particularly adaptive immune responses by B and T cells, would be a plus.Knowledge of virology or bacteriology would be a plus.Experience in carrying out and interpreting FACS experiments would be a plus.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 optionsFlexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expensesLifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activitiesFamily care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoringFree premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classesExclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipmentAdoption and family-planning benefitsDedicated care coordination support for our LGBTQ+ communityGenerous paid time off, including:• Vacation, sick time and holidays• Volunteer time to participate within your community• Discretionary year-end shutdown• Paid sabbatical after 5 years; every 3 years thereafterGenerous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents401k match and Financial Planning toolsModerna-paid Life, LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit optionsComplimentary concierge service including home services research, travel booking, and entertainment requestsFree parking or subsidized commuter passesLocation-specific perks and extras!About ModernaSince 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 peopleare 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.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.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.Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free and drug-free work environment.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 proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.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 an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity are critical to the success of our company and our impact on society. We're focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees and believe that by cultivating diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we can provide an environment where every employee is able to 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 ****** . (EEO/AAP Employer) #LI-KF1-