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

Moderna • Cambridge, MA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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
• Candidates must already hold work authorization in US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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.

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree