Principal Scientist, Genome Analytics Innovation, Moderna Genomics

The Role:

As part of our vision, Moderna is committed to invest in R&D to further expand our impact on patients. We are building an independent research and business unit for genomic medicines, called Moderna Genomics (mGx) based in Technology Square, Cambridge, MA.  mGx will be an innovation engine for the company focused on discovering and delivering the next generation of in vivo gene editing and non-viral gene therapies.  It is our intention to be an industry leader in genomic medicines.

Moderna Genomics has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Scientist to contribute to the discovery, innovation, characterization and/or optimization of novel gene editing systems in Moderna Genomics (mGx). The Principal Scientist will work as a critical member of the mGx Team to establish Moderna as a leader in in-vivo gene editing therapeutics. The candidate will have a strong background and a proven track record in the experimental evaluation of gene editing systems and/or genetic mobile element biology in vitro and/or in vivo. In addition, a proven record of “think-outside-the-box” conception and leadership of innovative programs in an industrial environment is required. The Principal Scientist will drive research goals internally in collaboration with stakeholders and/or through key external alliances. This is an exciting and fast-paced position that will lead to new patents, journal publications, and scientific presentations to internal and external groups. Most importantly these new technology developments will used to create the next generation in vivo RNA based genomic medicines.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Work as an integral part of a cross-functional team to discover, invent, characterize and/or optimize novel gene editing technologies with the assistance of a small technical team

• Drive the design, build, and validation of tools, cell lines, and platforms that enable NGS-based high-throughput screens to discover and/or optimize gene editing technologies

• Contribute to mGx strategy and investment decisions amongst innovative approaches to develop CRISPR and non-CRISPR-based tools based on the needs of the company and in vivo gene editing field

• Communicate results clearly and concisely to both internal and external stakeholders

• Keep accurate records of experiments and results

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• PhD in genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related field

• Industrial experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company

• Proven track record of characterization and/or preclinical development of novel CRISPR and non-CRISPR genome-editing systems and/or mobile genetic elements

• Extensive experience in molecular biological and mammalian cell-based assays

• Strong background in medium to high throughput cell-based genome editing assays and building NGS libraries

• ·       Conversant in computational data analysis of genomic data to evaluate gene editing event outcomes

• ·       Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

• ·       Great project and team management skills

• ·       Strong desire to work on early-stage technology development, implementing creative thinking to build Moderna Genomics’ genome-editing toolkit and patent portfolio

Moderna is pleased to provide you and your family with a comprehensive and innovative suite of benefits, including:

• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
• Lifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activities
• Family care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoring
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes 
• Exclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipment
• Adoption and family-planning benefits
• Dedicated care coordination support for our LGBTQ+ community
• Generous paid time off, including:
  •    Vacation, sick time and holidays
  •    Volunteer time to participate within your community
  •    Discretionary winter shut down 
  •    Paid sabbatical after 5 years; every 3 years thereafter
• Generous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents
• 401k match and Financial Planning tools
• Moderna-paid Life, LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit options
• Complimentary concierge service including home services research, travel booking, and entertainment requests
• Free parking or subsidized commuter passes
• Location-specific perks and extras!

Candidates should be aware that Moderna currently maintains a policy requiring all US-based employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive a booster shot once eligible. Newly hired employees must be vaccinated and boosted prior to their employment start date. Moderna is an equal opportunity employer and will provide a reasonable accommodation to those unable to be vaccinated or receive a booster where it is not an undue hardship to the company to do so as provided under federal, state, and local law.

About Moderna

In over 10 years since its inception, Moderna has transformed from a research-stage company advancing programs in the field of messenger RNA (mRNA), to an enterprise with a diverse clinical portfolio of vaccines and therapeutics across seven modalities, a broad intellectual property portfolio in areas including mRNA and lipid nanoparticle formulation, and an integrated manufacturing plant that allows for rapid clinical and commercial production at scale. Moderna maintains alliances with a broad range of domestic and overseas government and commercial collaborators, which has allowed for the pursuit of both groundbreaking science and rapid scaling of manufacturing. Most recently, Moderna's capabilities have come together to allow the authorized use and approval of one of the earliest and most effective vaccines against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moderna's mRNA platform builds on continuous advances in basic and applied mRNA science, delivery technology and manufacturing, and has allowed the development of therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular diseases and autoimmune diseases. Moderna has been named a top biopharmaceutical employer by Science for the past seven years. To learn more, visit www.modernatx.com.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free and drug-free work environment.

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

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