The Role

Moderna is seeking a highly motivated computational scientist to join a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and fast-paced team supporting computational biology across platform research, therapeutic areas, INT, and development. This role is responsible for mRNA sequence design, analysis, visualization, and interpretation of complex biological datasets, with a strong emphasis on enabling sequence engineering workflows and improving the tools that support them.

The successful candidate will contribute directly to mRNA sequence design sequences and projects while also advancing the computational methods, analyses, and internal tools used by the team. This role sits at the intersection of sequence design, data analysis, and scientific computing, and will partner closely with cross-functional groups to support both day-to-day platform needs and broader sequence engineering efforts.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Conduct mRNA sequence optimization to support platform mRNA sequence orders

• Install IDR (Identity & Ratio) sequences for high-priority programs and candidates advancing toward Lead Nomination

• Support the day-to-day sequence engineering codebase and collaborate on integration of mRNA sequence engineering algorithms into platform applications

• Generate hypotheses and execute analyses to improve sequence engineering optimization algorithms, including retrospective analyses and model performance assessments

• Provide modeling and programming support for scientific workstreams related to mRNA design, including collaboration on manufacturability-focused efforts

• Explore, evaluate, and implement new computational approaches that improve mRNA synthesis success and manufacturability outcomes

• Improve existing repositories through runtime optimization, code refactoring, and maintenance of technical debt across sequence engineering and complexity rules codebases

• Develop internal tools for interacting with APIs and systems related to mRNA sequence workflows

• Communicate results and recommendations clearly to cross-functional collaborators

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• BS/BA 8+ years of experience

• Experience in algorithm development, computational biology, bioinformatics, or mRNA-related scientific computing.

• Demonstrated knowledge of genetics and molecular biology, particularly relating to mRNA.

• Experience working with biological datasets and computational analyses.

• Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language, such as Python and/or R.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• M.S. with 4-5 years of relevant experience, or Ph.D. with 0-2 years of experience in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related field; Ph.D. candidates should demonstrate experience applying computational methods to real-world or production-relevant biological problems.

• Experience with mRNA sequence optimization and related algorithm development

• Ability to generate and test hypotheses using complex biological datasets

• Experience supporting or improving scientific codebases, including refactoring, runtime improvement, and maintenance

• Ability to understand previously implemented algorithms and improve or extend them thoughtfully

• Experience building internal tools or workflows to support scientific or operational teams

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to draw clear conclusions from complex datasets

• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical collaborators

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Meticulous attention to detail and a strong sense of ownership

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class healthcare coverage, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs

• A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support

• Family planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown

• Savings and investment opportunities to help you plan for the future

• Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $121,600.00 - $194,500.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

Our Working Model

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.

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

Export Control Notice This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicants ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license. #LI-NH1

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