Scientist, Platform and TA Bioinformatics

The Role

Moderna is seeking a highly motivated computational scientist to join a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and fast-paced team supporting computational biology across platform research, therapeutic areas, INT, and development. This role is responsible for mRNA sequence design, analysis, visualization, and interpretation of complex biological datasets, with a strong emphasis on enabling sequence engineering workflows and improving the tools that support them.

The successful candidate will contribute directly to mRNA sequence design sequences and projects while also advancing the computational methods, analyses, and internal tools used by the team. This role sits at the intersection of sequence design, data analysis, and scientific computing, and will partner closely with cross-functional groups to support both day-to-day platform needs and broader sequence engineering efforts.

Here's What You'll Do

• Conduct mRNA sequence optimization to support platform mRNA sequence orders
• Install IDR (Identity & Ratio) sequences for high-priority programs and candidates advancing toward Lead Nomination
• Support the day-to-day sequence engineering codebase and collaborate on integration of mRNA sequence engineering algorithms into platform applications
• Generate hypotheses and execute analyses to improve sequence engineering optimization algorithms, including retrospective analyses and model performance assessments
• Provide modeling and programming support for scientific work streams related to mRNA design, including collaboration on manufacturability-focused efforts
• Explore, evaluate, and implement new computational approaches that improve mRNA synthesis success and manufacturability outcomes
• Improve existing repositories through runtime optimization, code refactoring, and maintenance of technical debt across sequence engineering and complexity rules codebases
• Develop internal tools for interacting with APIs and systems related to mRNA sequence workflows
• Communicate results and recommendations clearly to cross-functional collaborators

Here's What You'll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• BS/BA 8+ years of experience
• Experience in algorithm development, computational biology, bioinformatics, or mRNA-related scientific computing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of genetics and molecular biology, particularly relating to mRNA.
• Experience working with biological datasets and computational analyses.
• Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language, such as Python and/or R.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Here's What You'll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• M.S. with 4-5 years of relevant experience, or Ph.D. with 0-2 years of experience in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related field;
  Ph.D. candidates should demonstrate experience applying computational methods to real-world or production-relevant biological problems.
• Experience with mRNA sequence optimization and related algorithm development
• Ability to generate and test hypotheses using complex biological datasets
• Experience supporting or improving scientific codebases, including refactoring, runtime improvement, and maintenance
• Ability to understand previously implemented algorithms and improve or extend them thoughtfully
• Experience building internal tools or workflows to support scientific or operational teams
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to draw clear conclusions from complex datasets
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical collaborators
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Meticulous attention to detail and a strong sense of ownership

Pay & Benefits

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…