Principal Scientist, T Cell Immunology (Autoimmunity and Infectious Disease)

The Role:

Moderna is seeking a talented, experienced, and motivated candidate to lead innovative immunology efforts across autoimmune and infectious disease programs. This role will drive mechanistic discovery and translational immunology to enable antigen-specific and pathway-directed mRNA-LNP therapeutics. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in T cell biology in the setting of autoimmunity and/or infectious diseases, a strong track record of scientific leadership, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multi-disciplinary teams.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Lead preclinical research efforts in one or more autoimmune or infectious disease programs from early discovery through IND-enabling studies.

• Establish preclinical models and perform T cell immune profiling to support target discovery, validation and clinical enablement.

• Drive translational research to elucidate therapeutic mechanism of action through analysis of human clinical samples.

• Contribute to shaping program strategy from discovery through translational readiness, including indication fit, differentiation, competitive positioning, and risk management.

• Build and present decision-focused data packages and program updates for internal governance

• Monitor the scientific literature and competitive landscape to identify opportunities (targets, mechanisms, modalities, biomarkers) that strengthen the portfolio.

• Lead, mentor, and develop research associates and scientists through clear direction, goal setting, coaching, and performance management, fostering a culture of rigor, learning, and urgency.

• Lead integrated program teams by aligning stakeholders on objectives, timelines, resourcing, and decision criteria across discovery, translational, and development partners.

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

• PhD in Immunology, Microbiology, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 5+ years of relevant post-graduate experience in academia and/or biotech/pharma with a preference given to allergy, autoimmune or infectious disease experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting

• Deep expertise in T cell immunobiology, with demonstrated experience in autoimmune or infectious disease immunology

• At Moderna, we are focused on delivering on our mission by enabling talent to thrive. For this role, we are currently unable to offer immigration sponsorship. Candidates must already hold work authorization in US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.

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

• Strong hands-on experience with core immunology methods (e.g., multiparameter flow cytometry, intracellular cytokine staining, ELISPOT, antigen-specific stimulation)

• Experience designing and interpreting in vivo disease models relevant to allergic or autoimmune inflammation; ability to connect model findings to human biology

• Proven leadership experience managing and developing researchers; ability to set direction, prioritize, and deliver in a matrixed organization

• Track record of scientific excellence demonstrated through publications, presentations, patents, and/or impactful contributions to therapeutic programs

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence across functions and engage external partners

• Curious, creative, and rigorous experimentalist with a bias for action and a commitment to high-quality data and reproducible science

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.

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