Principal Data Scientist

The Role

Joining Moderna offers the unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team that's revolutionizing medicine through mRNA technology with a diverse pipeline of development programs across various diseases. As an employee you'll be part of a continually growing organization working alongside exceptional colleagues and strategic partners worldwide contributing to global health initiatives. Moderna's commitment to advancing the technological frontier of mRNA medicines ensures a challenging and rewarding career experience with the potential to make a significant impact on patients' lives worldwide.

Moderna is solidifying its presence within our international business services hub in Warsaw, Poland, a city renowned for its rich scientific and technological heritage. This hub provides critical functions meeting the growing demand of Moderna’s global business operations. We're inviting professionals from around the world to join our mission and contribute to the future of mRNA medicines.

We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Data Scientist with expertise in machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and data science methodologies. The ideal candidate will act as a key advisor on data science projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop AI-driven solutions that support innovation in R&D processes. This role plays a critical part in advancing data science capabilities and leveraging advanced techniques to solve complex problems.

Here's What You’ll Do:

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Act as a key advisor on machine learning, NLP, and data analytics projects, mentoring junior colleagues and contributing to cross-functional initiatives.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams within R&D to build and implement data-driven solutions focused on enhancing internal processes.

• Contribute to key phases of the machine learning life cycle, including data collection, model development, and validation, with senior leadership guidance on deployment.

• Identify opportunities to apply recent advances in machine learning and NLP to improve R&D outcomes.

• Develop methodologies for text mining, information retrieval, and process optimization in R&D environments.

• Communicate insights and findings effectively to stakeholders within the organization.

Your responsibilities will also include:

• Ensure adherence to best practices in data science and software engineering.

• Mentor and guide team members on technical projects, fostering growth and development within the data science function.

• Support the development and implementation of NLP solutions that drive efficiency across the organization.

• Stay up to date on emerging trends in data science, machine learning, and NLP, ensuring that Moderna continues to leverage the latest techniques.

• Innovate and contribute to impactful projects within the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:

• We act with dynamic range: As a Principal Data Scientist, you will need to drive both strategic thinking and detailed execution, guiding your team from concept through to deployment of data science solutions.

• We behave like owners: You will take full ownership of your projects and guide the team to deliver impactful results, ensuring that all data-driven solutions align with Moderna's goals of innovation and excellence.

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

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, or a related field with at least 6 years of experience, or a Master’s degree with 8 years of relevant experience.

• 5+ years of experience delivering data science projects, preferably in an industry setting.

• Expertise in Python and familiarity with NLP libraries such as NLTK, spaCy, and HuggingFace.

• Experience working with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL).

• Demonstrated experience in mentoring and guiding colleagues on data science projects.

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

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

• Experience with information retrieval systems like Elasticsearch or comparable tools.

• Familiarity with optimization techniques, discrete optimization, and machine learning for real-time data processing.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.

• Proficiency in cloud services (e.g., AWS), containerization (e.g., Docker), and version control (Git).

• Experience with large language models and their practical applications.

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

• A strong desire to innovate and contribute to impactful projects in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

Moderna offers personalized benefit programs and well-being resources as unique as our global workforce so employees can do their best work.

We recognize and appreciate your diverse needs and interests and do our best to support you at work and at home with:

• Quality healthcare and insurance benefits
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to create your own pathway to well-being
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Educational resources
• Savings and investments
• Location-specific perks and extras!

The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.

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.

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.
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.

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

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 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. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity are critical to the success of our company and our impact on society. We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees and believe that by cultivating diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we can provide an environment where every employee is able to contribute their best.

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment 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 and Adjustments team at [email protected].

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