Moderna is seeking an exceptionally talented and highly motivated computational scientist with RNA biology background to work as part of a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and fast-paced team. The successful candidate will develop and apply novel algorithms to design and optimize therapeutic mRNAs. Leveraging state-of-the-art bioinformatics, optimization, and machine learning approaches, this role directly contributes to advancing Moderna’s mRNA design and engineering platform across multiple therapeutic areas.

The ideal candidate has a deep foundation in algorithm development, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, and experience applying machine learning and deep learning to problems in RNA or related molecular systems. This position has significant visibility and potential for growth in a dynamic organization.

Here’s What You’ll Do

1. Develop and apply novel combinatorial optimization algorithms to solve the needs and challenges specific to developing mRNA medicines
2. Work with RNA biologists, the high throughput screening team, and the NGS team to acquire appropriate datasets to train, build, refine machine learning models
3. Utilize deep understanding of scientific literature and concepts to drive innovation for mRNA design
4. Contribute to scientific and strategy discussions to advance and enhance the Moderna mRNA Platform
5. Maintain accountability for project success and result delivery
6. Communicate research findings to both technical and non-technical collaborators internally and externally

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

1. Ph.D. in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Physics, or related field with post-doctoral training
2. Algorithm development experience required
3. Experience applying machine learning and deep learning models required

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

1. Experience with applications in RNA biology
2. Familiar with RNA secondary structure prediction tools and principles
3. 1+ year experience in industry
4. Experience analyzing NGS data from chemical probing experiments, e.g. SHAPE
5. Experience with programming or scripting language (multiple preferred), e.g. Python, R
6. High performance computing in a distributed/cloud environment, e.g. AWS
7. Software development best practices, including agile, version control, unit and integration testing, documentation, and deployment
8. Ability to manage multiple concurrent, fast-paced projects and to work with collaborators from both wet lab and dry lab
9. An established record of innovative research achievements in machine learning/bioinformatics reported in top-tier journals and patent applications
10. Excellent written and oral communication skills
11. Positive team building and teamwork skills: innate ability to influence, lead and inspire people, within function and beyond functional/company boundaries

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.

1. Best-in-class healthcare coverage, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
2. A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
3. Family planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
4. Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
5. Savings and investment opportunities to help you plan for the future
6. Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $121,600.00 - $194,500.00. 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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