Sr. Scientist, RNA Chemical Biology

The Role:

The RNA Chemical Biology team is seeking an exceptionally creative and multi-disciplinary technologist to join in our efforts to invent the next generation of mRNA medicines. This role will be responsible for building a solid-phase synthetic oligonucleotide group within the larger RNA Chemical Biology team, imagining, synthesizing, and testing new chemical modifications, and then devising incorporation processes suitable for GMP manufacturing. This is a start-to-finish creative role within a highly interdisciplinary group of seasoned mRNA scientists and process engineers.

Heres What Youll Do:

• Envision and oversee synthesis of novel oligonucleotides to enable diverse research activities throughout Modernas research and Technical Development ecosystems

• Direct and perform purification and analyses using several types of instrumentation (HPLC, mass spectrometry, etc.)

• Develop and apply processes for novel oligo synthesis and increased length/purity/throughput

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

• Collaborate with colleagues in RNA Chemical Biology, Process Chemistry, and across Platform Research

Heres What Youll Bring to the Table:

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or closely related field with minimum 2 years of relevant experience, or BS or MS degree with minimum 5 years of relevant experience

• Must have strong foundation in nucleoside chemistry, oligonucleotide synthesis, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry

• Hands-on experience with chemical oligo synthesis equipment (e.g., MerMade 6, 12, and/or 192, KTA oligosynt, etc.)

• Working familiarity with common analytical and purification methods (e.g., HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS)

• Knowledge of RNA and DNA chemistry and biology and standard analysis methods relevant to these molecules (e.g., capillary or gel electrophoresis, enzymatic reactions, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in RNA chemical biology, mRNA process development and/or chemical engineering is a strong plus.

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and collaborative skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as a team member 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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