Sr. Scientist, RNA Engineering

The Role:

Moderna is working to deliver on the promise of mRNA science to create a new generation of transformative medicines for patients. In our goal to invent best-in-class mRNA medicines, Modernas RNA Science team is seeking an experienced, creative scientist with a passion for mRNA therapeutics. In this role, you will have the opportunity to create and test novel RNA design solutions that lead to fit for purpose RNA medicines.

We are looking for a senior scientist with deep expertise in metabolism of mRNA, non-coding RNAs, or both. Hands-on experience in evaluating biological and therapeutic impact of modified nucleotides in RNAs is desirable. Knowledge of the biochemistry of RNA binding proteins and cellular RNA decay pathways, and familiarity with the cellular immune response to foreign nucleic acid delivery is beneficial.

The scientist will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to discover innovative solutions to drive the next generation of RNA therapeutics. The candidate will be responsible for identifying and evaluating chemical or sequence solutions to engineering RNAs with desirable properties. The scientist will also be responsible for assay development to establish function of designed RNAs in cells. The individual is expected to keep up with new developments in the field of RNA therapeutics and drive actionable information from publications and databases.

Excellent project management, organization and record keeping are a must. Ability to handle multiple projects with aggressive timelines, scientific rigor, innovative thinking, and effective communication skills are essential to success at Moderna.

Heres What Youll Do:

• Identify novel chemical and sequence modifications to confer desired properties to RNA

• Design experiments to evaluate RNA fate in cells using cellular and molecular biology techniques in a variety of cell types

• Develop assays to establish mechanistic understanding of unmodified/ modified nucleic acids metabolism in cells

• Mentor and manage junior colleagues

• Work closely with cross-functional teams

• Maintain clear scientific records and communicate actionable information routinely

• Communicate scientific findings to colleagues and collaborators in formal and informal settings

• Collaborate with colleagues in RNA Science, Chemical Biology and Technical Development Teams

• Follow Moderna's policies to ensure best practices (e.g., laboratory safety, electronic lab notebook, etc.)

Heres What Youll Bring to the Table:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, RNA Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology or closely related field with 3-6 years of relevant experience. 2+ years of industry experience is preferred.

• Deep understanding of nucleic acid biochemistry and RNA biology

• Extensive experience with Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Molecular Biology techniques to enable quantitative studies of RNA metabolism

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and collaborative skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and effectively in a highly dynamic environment

• Ability to quickly master new scientific techniques and concepts

• Ability to multi-task to meet timelines and goals

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 year-end shutdown
  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 persons 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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