Scientist, mRNA Sequence Engineering & Computational Biology Full-time

Computational Scientist

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

• 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 $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.

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 modernatx.com/careers 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 person's 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 law. Moderna 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

We're 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 leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.

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 applicant's 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.