Principal Scientist, Protein Design

The Role

Moderna is seeking a Principal Scientist to support the AI-enabled design of de novo antibodies and binder modalities across diverse discovery programs. This is a hands-on, highly technical role for an experienced protein designer who can build and operationalize agentic AI design frameworks and translate modern generative methods into validated binders. This position is strategically important to Moderna’s ability to initiate and execute multiple competitive binder programs in parallel. As a Principal Scientist, you will also mentor other designers and act as a visible scientific agentic AI design resource across the organization. This role offers a rare opportunity to invent how AI-designed binders function in vivo as part of mRNA therapeutics: as stand-alone biologics, targeting modules, or components of next-generation multi-protein systems.

The Principal Scientist will work closely with and report to the Senior Director, Computational Design and In Vitro Selection, and will also work closely with the VP, Protein Design, as well as other members of Research, to advance novel candidates to the clinic and establish Moderna as a leader in antibody and de novo binder design for in vivo delivery.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Executing design strategy as the primary AI protein designer for de novo antibody and binder modalities.

• Build and maintain AI protein design frameworks for binders, including application of generative methods, model training/inference workflows, automated design creation, scoring, filtering, and prioritization.

• Partner closely with experimental teams to interpret screening/selection/biophysical data and drive iterative design cycles that improve affinity, specificity, stability, expression, and developability.

• Define and implement benchmarking and validation standards for new methods, ensuring computational efforts are program-ready rather than exploratory.

• Develop and iteratively optimize multi-agent systems to accelerate and enhance AI computational design and to create closed-loop automated design-and-wet-lab-test systems

• Mentor and technically guide other computational designers and data scientists, elevating overall AI design quality and rigor across the organization.

• Contribute to cross-functional program and platform strategy discussions, helping shape Moderna’s long-term approach to AI-enabled protein design.

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Computational Biology, or a related field with 5+ years of experience.

• Extensive post-PhD experience consistent with a Principal Scientist-level role in computational protein design.

• Strong publication and/or patent record demonstrating impact in protein design, structural biology, or applied machine learning.

• Strong hands-on coding ability with demonstrated experience building production-grade scientific software and pipelines (Python required; additional languages a plus).

• Demonstrated experience with building and optimizing agentic AI systems for computational design

• Practical experience developing and/or deploying ML models for proteins

• Ability to mentor, review, and elevate the work of other designers.

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

• Experience scaling workflows on HPC and/or cloud (distributed compute, workflow orchestration, containerization).

• Proven track record of designing antibody-based biologics.

• 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 US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class healthcare coverage, 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 investment opportunities to help you plan for the future

• Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $142,500.00 - $256,500.00. 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 leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. 

Export Control Notice This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license. #LI-NH1

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