The RoleModerna is looking for a talented and motivated Senior Scientist to focus on discovery, design, and preclinical development of new mRNA-based immunotherapies for cancer. Successful candidates will primarily work with in vitro and ex vivo systems as well as design and analyze in vivo studies to characterize the performance of novel therapeutics. Applicants should be great team members, have a demonstrable track record of independent research accomplishments, and the ability to mentor junior colleagues. The ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others, as well as a passion for drug discovery are required.
Here's What You'll Do- Collaborate with internal teams to evaluate novel mRNA therapeutics (cellular and biochemical endpoints)
- Develop, characterize and validate in vitro assays and animal models to test various mRNA therapeutics
- Collect, archive, organize, and analyze samples, including those from in vivo studies, and execute downstream analyses
- Deliver reproducible and impactful results under ambitious timelines
- Execute and troubleshoot standard protocols, adapt new protocols into practice, and query literature to incorporate additional assays as needed
- Independently plan experiments and analyze, interpret, and present data in program team, department, and cross-functional meetings
- Ideate novel or next gen therapeutic concepts using historical/platform knowledge, published reports, or experimental data
- Mentor or manage junior scientists to expand scientific and people impact
- Faithfully document scientific work
- Contribute to reports, patent filings, regulatory submissions, and presentations for both in/external consumption
Here's What You'll Bring to the Table (Minimum Qualifications)- Ph.D. in a biological science or B.S/M.S. with extensive relevant experience and at least 2 years industry experience.
- Solid background in immunology, immuno-oncology, and/or tumor biology
- Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute experimental plans for a preclinical drug development program
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative and cross-functional team environment
Here's What You'll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)- 5 years of industry experience.
- Expertise in multi-parameter conventional and spectral flow cytometry
- Expertise phenotyping murine, NHP, and human immune cells
- Expertise executing primary immune cell assays and mechanism of action studies
- Experience with biodistribution, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic analyses using biochemical and flow cytometry assays
- Nucleic acid quantification expertise:
- Isolation of nucleic acids from cultured cells and harvested tissue
- Quantification via qPCR, other formats such as bDNA-based approaches
- Protein quantification expertise:
- Isolation of protein lysates from cultured cells and harvested tissue
- Protein quantification via Western, ELISA, MSD, Luminex-based assays
- Tissue/cell culture expertise:
- Cell passaging, archiving, transfection and cell-based functional assays
- Primary cell isolation and culture, particularly with hematopoietic cells
- Extremely sound tissue culture and general laboratory techniques
- Scientific rigor, strong work ethic, results orientation, adaptable, strong communication skills
- A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative
Pay & BenefitsAt Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That's why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you-at work, at home, and everywhere in between.- Competitive healthcare, 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 investments to help you plan for the future
- Location-specific perks and extras
The salary range for this role is $130,800.00 - $209,400.00. 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.
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