Principal Scientist, Protein Design

The Role

Moderna is seeking a Principal Scientist to support the AI-enabled design of de novo antibodies and binder modalities across diverse discovery programs. This is a hands-on highly technical role for an experienced protein designer who can build and operationalize agentic AI design frameworks and translate modern generative methods into validated binders. This position is strategically important to Modernas ability to initiate and execute multiple competitive binder programs in parallel. As a Principal Scientist you will also mentor other designers and act as a visible scientific agentic AI design resource across the organization. This role offers a rare opportunity to invent how AI-designed binders function in vivo as part of mRNA therapeutics: as stand-alone biologics targeting modules or components of next-generation multi-protein systems.

The Principal Scientist will work closely with and report to the Senior Director Computational Design and In Vitro Selection and will also work closely with the VP Protein Design as well as other members of Research to advance novel candidates to the clinic and establish Moderna as a leader in antibody and de novo binder design for in vivo delivery.

Heres What Youll Do

• Executing design strategy as the primary AI protein designer for de novo antibody and binder modalities.

• Build and maintain AI protein design frameworks for binders including application of generative methods model training/inference workflows automated design creation scoring filtering and prioritization.

• Partner closely with experimental teams to interpret screening/selection/biophysical data and drive iterative design cycles that improve affinity specificity stability expression and developability.

• Define and implement benchmarking and validation standards for new methods ensuring computational efforts are program-ready rather than exploratory.

• Develop and iteratively optimize multi-agent systems to accelerate and enhance AI computational design and to create closed-loop automated design-and-wet-lab-test systems

• Mentor and technically guide other computational designers and data scientists elevating overall AI design quality and rigor across the organization.

• Contribute to cross-functional program and platform strategy discussions helping shape Modernas long-term approach to AI-enabled protein design.

Heres What Youll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• PhD in Biophysics Biochemistry Structural Biology Computational Biology or a related field with 5 years of experience.

• Extensive post-PhD experience consistent with a Principal Scientist-level role in computational protein design.

• Strong publication and/or patent record demonstrating impact in protein design structural biology or applied machine learning.

• Strong hands-on coding ability with demonstrated experience building production-grade scientific software and pipelines (Python required; additional languages a plus).

• Demonstrated experience with building and optimizing agentic AI systems for computational design

• Practical experience developing and/or deploying ML models for proteins

• Ability to mentor review and elevate the work of other designers.

Heres What Youll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience scaling workflows on HPC and/or cloud (distributed compute workflow orchestration containerization).

• Proven track record of designing antibody-based biologics.

• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth transformational company that is Bold Relentless Curious and Collaborative.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna we believe that when you feel your best you can do your best work. Thats why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support youat 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

About Moderna

Since our founding in 2010 we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.

By living our mission values and mindsets every day our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients our employees the environment and our communities.

We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators and a Great Place to Work in the U.S.

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine we invite you to visit to learn more about our current opportunities.

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.

Equal Opportunities

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a persons race color sex gender identity or expression age religion national origin ancestry or citizenship ethnicity disability military or protected veteran status genetic information sexual orientation marital or familial status or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day please apply!

Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories consistent with legal requirements.

Accommodations

Were focused on attracting retaining developing and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences backgrounds and ideas we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best.

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations team at .

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