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.

Here’s What You’ll Do 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.

Here’s

What You’ll Bring to the Table (Basic Qualifications)
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…