Scientist, Therapeutics Translational Research

Moderna • Cambridge, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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).

Responsibilities

• 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.

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
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees