Principal Scientist, Mass Spectrometry

The Role Moderna is seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist, Mass Spectrometry to join the Cancer Vaccine and Bioinformatics Research (CV ) team and support preclinical research. This role combines significant hands-on laboratory work with scientific and technical leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and people management responsibilities. The successful candidate will develop and apply peptide-based liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) proteomics approaches to address complex biological questions, advance research programs, support cross-functional mass spectrometry priorities within the team, and build and strengthen robust, scalable analytical capabilities that can be applied across Moderna’s portfolio.

A key focus of the role will be evolving how peptide-based proteomic data are generated and leveraged by integrating experimentation with automation, computational approaches, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML)-enabled tools to accelerate learning and generate high-quality datasets that can be integrated across experiments and data modalities.

• Maintain a strong hands-on laboratory presence by designing and executing LC-MS proteomics studies and developing workflows from protein extraction and digestion through peptide separation, LC-MS data acquisition, and data analysis.
• Use LC-MS-based proteomics to address complex biological questions and partner with research teams to generate insights that inform program decisions.
• Identify scientific and technical risks, communicate limitations, and develop practical mitigation strategies.
• Manage and develop a small scientific team, setting priorities, allocating resources, and supporting high-quality scientific execution.
• Establish and maintain best practices for data quality, reproducibility, system performance, and experimental controls.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in mass spectrometry and help shape scientific approaches across research programs.
• Mentor colleagues across the broader Mass Spectrometry team and foster a culture of scientific curiosity, hypothesis-driven experimentation, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate scientific strategies, results, and recommendations through discussions, presentations, and reports.
• Evaluate and apply emerging technologies in mass spectrometry, automation, computation, AI/ML, and instrumentation to improve capability, robustness, throughput, and scientific insight.

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of post-Ph.D. experience in mass spectrometry, preferably in an industry setting, with a demonstrated track record of developing and applying LC-MS-based proteomics approaches to address complex biological questions and advance research programs.
• Deep hands-on expertise in LC-MS analysis of biological samples, including protein extraction and digestion, peptide cleanup and separation, instrument operation, LC-MS acquisition method development, and data analysis.
• Deep expertise in discovery and quantitative bottom-up proteomics, including DDA, DIA, and targeted acquisition approaches such as PRM.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex challenges across sample preparation, chromatography, instrumentation, data acquisition, and data analysis.
• Experience leading and developing direct reports, including setting priorities, providing actionable feedback, supporting professional development, and ensuring high-quality scientific execution.
• Experience communicating scientific findings, analyses, and recommendations to internal scientific and cross-functional teams through technical reports, presentations, and…