Principal Scientist, Computational Protein Design

Principal Scientist, Computational Protein Design

Moderna | Posted Mar 2

Full-time

Negotiable

Advanced (5-10 yrs)

• 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.

• PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Computational Biology, or a related field and 5+ years 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.

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

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.

• 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.

The salary range for this role is $ - $. 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.

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.

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.

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