Principal Scientist, Computational Protein Design

Moderna • Cambridge, MA

16h

About The Position

The Role: Moderna is seeking a candidate to support protein design for vaccines and biologics across the mRNA pipeline. This is a hands-on scientific role for an experienced designer with deep understanding of protein structure, binding interfaces, and computational design methods and workflows, and track record of producing designs that are validated in vitro and in vivo. The candidate should be motivated by solving challenging biological problems. In this position, you will serve as a design lead on multiple high-impact programs. You will work closely with experimental, immunology, and discovery teams to design antigens, binders, and antibodies for mRNA therapeutics, applying state-of-the-art deep learning and structure-based design tools in partnership with in vitro selection and screening teams. You will help to develop and operationalize protein design rules calibrated to in vivo mRNA delivery. As a Principal Scientist, you will also help shape design standards, mentor other designers, and act as a visible scientific leader in computational protein design across the organization. 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, drive exploratory trials to inform the generation of improved vaccine antigens and explore new concepts for mRNA medicines.

Requirements

• PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Computational Biology, or a related field and 5+ of experience.
• Extensive post-PhD experience consistent with a Principal Scientist-level role in computational protein design.
• Proven track record of owning and delivering designs for vaccines, antibodies, or biologics.
• Deep expertise in structure-based protein and interface design.
• Ability to mentor, review, and elevate the work of other designers.

Nice To Haves

• Minimal coding expertise in python or similar language
• Experience with specific structure-based design tools: Rosetta and ProteinMPNN
• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the computational protein design lead for vaccine and biologics programs, owning design strategy and technical decision-making.
• Design antigens, binders, and antibodies using state-of-the-art design approaches.
• Partner closely with experimental teams by interpreting data from in vitro selection and screening efforts to drive iterative design cycles.
• Provide design guidance on library construction, mutational strategies, and hypothesis testing.
• Mentor and technically guide junior designers to elevate overall design quality.
• Contribute to cross-functional program strategy discussions.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree