Scientist, Bioinformatics

Moderna is seeking an exceptionally talented and motivated bioinformatician to be a catalyst across Research and Technology Development, accelerating our mRNA medicines through cutting-edge computational analyses and bioinformatics pipeline development. In this role, you will advance how long- and short-read sequencing are used to characterize RNA and DNA at scale – designing algorithms, building robust bioinformatics pipelines, and delivering clear and decision-enabling insights. You will partner closely with wet-lab scientists to co-design experiments, apply novel methods on emerging sequencing platforms (with a strong focus on Oxford Nanopore Technologies, ONT), and stand up real-time and batch analytics that quantify quality attributes, uncover mechanisms, and guide process/assay development. The ideal candidate blends deep NGS/long-read sequencing expertise with strong software engineering, solid molecular biology background, and the curiosity to turn complex data into simple, actionable narratives.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Develop and optimize ONT methods for DNA and RNA characterization (e.g. cDNA vs. direct RNA sequencing, barcoding, de-multiplexing).
• Build and maintain ONT analysis pipelines covering signal-level analysis, basecalling, alignment, polishing, and comprehensive data verification.
• Build intuitive visualization and reporting tools that communicate characterization and biological findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain documentation, SOPs, and best-practice guides; mentor colleagues and contribute to a culture of reproducibility and scientific rigor.
• Provide suggestions to wet lab scientists and contribute to experimental design 
• Work cross-functionally across Research and Technology Development to deliver timely NGS/long-read analyses and feedback that improve experimental design and data quality.
• Contribute to scientific and strategy discussions focused on attributes specific to developing mRNA medicines
• Communicate findings internally and (as appropriate) externally

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related field with 1+ years of relevant industrial experience
• Technical expertise
  • Practical data analysis experience with Oxford Nanopore data types (cDNA, direct RNA, demultiplexing), basecalling, signal-level methods, and downstream interpretation.
  • Expert in Python and R programming, clean and well-tested code, packaging and documentation.
  • Producing visualizations of complex NGS results
  • High performance computing in a distributed/cloud environment, e.g. AWS
  • Software development best practices, including agile, version control, unit and integration testing, documentation, and deployment.
• Strong understanding of the drug development process and fundamentals of mRNA technology
• Capable to draw robust conclusions from complex datasets, and present them in a clear and understandable way
• Capable of efficiently contributing to multiple concurrent and fast-paced projects
• Strong written and oral communication skills and a track record of achievement in publications and/or patent applications

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.

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 [email protected]. 

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.

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