Scientist, Therapeutics Translational Research

The Role

We are seeking an exceptionally talented, highly motivated, and detail-oriented Scientist to join our Therapeutics Translational Research team. In this role, you will support the advancement of our mRNA therapeutics platform by driving translational studies across both clinical and early development programs. You will contribute to a cutting-edge pipeline through deep immune profiling, target validation, mechanism-of-action characterization, and hands-on in vitro and ex vivo experimentation.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in immunology, immuno-oncology, cancer vaccines, and/or tumor biology. Successful applicants will be collaborative team players who thrive in multidisciplinary environments, demonstrate a proven track record of independent research accomplishments, and have the ability to mentor junior colleagues. Excellent communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for translational research are essential.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Support translational research across immunology, immuno-oncology, and cancer vaccine programs spanning early and clinical development.

• Design and execute complex translational studies, including primary human immune cell–based and plate-based assays, functional and cytotoxicity assays, and deep profiling of rare immune populations using scRNA-seq, TCR sequencing, and flow cytometry.

• Develop, characterize, and validate ex vivo human models to elucidate mechanisms of action, enable target validation, and support clinical translation through comprehensive immune profiling.

• Execute, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental protocols; implement new methodologies and adopt relevant scientific advancements.

• Generate, analyze, and present high-quality, decision-enabling data, integrating literature insights to inform program strategy while delivering robust results within ambitious timelines.

• Mentor and/or manage junior team members to strengthen team capabilities and scientific output.

• Maintain rigorous documentation and contribute to regulatory filings, SOP development, project deliverables, and internal/external presentations.

• Demonstrate scientific rigor, adaptability, strong communication skills, and a results-driven mindset.

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

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Biological Sciences, or a related field; or M.S. with extensive relevant experience and a minimum of 5 years of industry experience or B.S. with extensive relevant experience and a minimum of 8 years of industry experience.

• Strong scientific background in immunology, immuno-oncology, cancer vaccines, and/or tumor biology.

• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute experimental plans for translational studies.

• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and scientific rigor.

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

• Expertise in designing and executing translational and biomarker studies.

• Expertise in designing and executing primary human immune cell assays, including immune phenotyping and mechanism-of-action studies.

• Tissue/cell culture expertise:

  • Extremely sound cell culture and general laboratory techniques

  • Cell passaging, archiving, transfection and cell-based functional assays

  • Primary cell isolation and culture, particularly with patient/ clinical samples

• Immune assays in vitro expertise:

  • Cytotoxicity assays and primary cell co-cultures

  • In vitro immune differentiation

  • Jurkat reporter bioassays

  • 3D tissue culture systems

• Nucleic acid quantification expertise:

  • Isolation of nucleic acids from cultured cells and harvested tissue

  • Quantification via qPCR, or other formats

• Protein quantification via ELISA, MSD, Luminex-based assays, Western, ELISPot

• Expertise in multi-parameter flow cytometry (preferred).

• Experience with scSEQ/TCRseq and/or cross-collaboration with bioinformatics/ computational biology teams (preferred).

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 $109,200.00 - $174,600.00. 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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