Sr. Scientist, Immuno-Oncology Research

Moderna is seeking a talented and motivated Senior Scientist to focus on the discovery, design, and preclinical development of new mRNA-based immunotherapies for cancer. The role involves working with in vitro and ex vivo systems, designing and analyzing in vivo studies, and characterizing novel therapeutics. Ideal candidates are collaborative, have a strong track record of independent research, and a passion for drug discovery.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal teams to evaluate novel mRNA therapeutics using cellular and biochemical endpoints.
• Develop, characterize, and validate in vitro assays and animal models to test 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, and 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-generation 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 internal and external audiences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a biological science or B.S./M.S. with extensive relevant experience and at least 2 years of 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.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, and cross-functional team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of industry experience.
• Expertise in multi-parameter conventional and spectral flow cytometry.
• Experience 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, bDNA-based approaches, or similar.
• Protein quantification expertise:
  • Isolation of protein lysates from cultured cells and harvested tissue.
  • Protein quantification via Western blot, ELISA, MSD, or 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.
• Strong scientific rigor, work ethic, results orientation, adaptability, and communication skills.
• Desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company.

Benefits

• Competitive healthcare, plus voluntary benefit programs to support unique needs.
• Holistic well-being support, including fitness, mindfulness, and mental health resources.
• 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 programs to help plan for the future.
• Location-specific perks and extras.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $130,800.00 - $209,400.00. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on factors such as competencies, education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business needs. The successful candidate may also be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

Schedule

Moderna embraces a 70/30 work model, with 70% in-office collaboration to foster innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship.