Scientist, Infectious Disease Research

Company: Moderna Therapeutics
Location: Somerville
Posted on: January 12, 2021

Job Description:

The Role:This role is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, talented and motivated Scientist to be part of the vaccine design team for bacterial and viral targets. The Scientist will apply expertise in bacteriology, virology, immunology and structural biology to design novel mRNA sequences for candidate vaccines. The Scientist will be responsible for working on the discovery and development of Moderna---s mRNA vaccine and immunotherapy candidates and advance these into IND-enabling studies. The Scientist will collaborate with other cross-functional teams, evaluate designed mRNAs in the lab and present results internally and externally. Located in Cambridge, MA, the Scientist should be outstanding in their fields, collaborative team members and excellent communicators.Here---s What You---ll Do: Design and validate bacterial and viral vaccines or immunotherapy candidates in vitro and in vivo.Propose novel vaccine and therapeutic targets aligned with Moderna---s scientific strategy and capabilities. Interpret, troubleshoot, and report complex data.Work closely with cross-functional teams across the Moderna ecosystem, collaborators and CROs to progress candidates from discovery through IND-enabling studies.Maintain expertise in the field of infectious disease (with special focus on bacterial vaccines), immunotherapy and therapeutic developments, biomarker discovery and patient outcomes, attend conferences, and liaise with external experts in the field.Manage multiple experiments, projects and interactions with supporting functions.Apply scientific expertise to identify mRNA vaccine and immunotherapy discovery strategies.Provide scientific and technical support to interdisciplinary project teams.Prepare documents and present strategy, results, project updates, and summaries.Here---s What You---ll Bring to the Table:Exceptional PhD, expertise in protein engineering, protein characterization, bacteriology, virology and immunology are required. We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience in structural biology and structure-based vaccine design with application to bacterial antigens.Experience in protein production and evaluation is required, including protein chromatography and in vitro assays such as ELISA, affinity measurements. Experience in design and/or functional evaluation of antibodies is desirable.Expertise in cellular and molecular biology including cell culture, transfections, transformation western blotting, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry are necessary.Proven track record of high impact publications and presentations in the field of antigen design and vaccinology.The ability to work in a cross-functional work environment is critical; leadership skills and independence are expected.Excellent written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills; ability to influence and collaborate in a team environment.Candidate will be curious in exploring new paths for vaccine and drug discovery, bold in proposing creative experimental designs and ideas. Will work collaboratively with multifunctional teams and will be relentless in pursuing successful outcomes.Here---s What We---ll Bring to the Table: On-site subsidized cafeteria or catered lunchesCompany-provided iPhoneFree parking, monthly subway pass or a subsidized commuter rail passFree annual corporate membership to BluebikesHighly competitive healthcare coverage including: medical offered through BCBS (HMO/PPO), dental, and vision offered through VSPFlexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses16 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents 16 weeks 100% paid family caregiver leave20 weeks 100% paid medical leaveEligible for ---Moderna Month--- (one month paid sabbatical after five years of service and eligible for additional one month paid sabbatical every 3 years thereafter)Adoption assistance and discounts to local childcare centers, as well as access to care.com401k (traditional and Roth offered) with 50% match on first 6% deferred. Match is vested immediatelyA suite of Moderna paid insurance coverage, including: life insurance, short-term and long-term disabilityVoluntary legal assistance plan15 days--- vacation and 7 sick days per year, in addition to a discretionary winter shut down and 11 company paid holidays (includes 2 floating holidays)About Moderna:Moderna is advancing messenger RNA (mRNA) science to create a new class of transformative medicines for patients. mRNA medicines are designed to direct the body---s cells to produce intracellular, membrane or secreted proteins that can have a therapeutic or preventive benefit and have the potential to address a broad spectrum of diseases. The company---s platform builds on continuous advances in basic and applied mRNA science, delivery technology and manufacturing, providing Moderna the capability to pursue in parallel a robust pipeline of new development candidates. Moderna is developing therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, independently and with strategic collaborators.Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Moderna currently has strategic alliances for development programs with AstraZeneca PLC and Merck & Co., Inc., as well as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, and BARDA. Moderna has been named a top biopharmaceutical employer by Science for the past six years. To learn more, visit .Our Mission:Deliver on the promise of mRNA science to create a new generation of transformative medicines for patients.Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free and drug-free work environment.Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person---s race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. LI-AK1- Full time

Keywords: Moderna Therapeutics, Somerville , Scientist, Infectious Disease Research, Other , Somerville, Massachusetts