Principal Scientist, Protein Design

Moderna

Remote
Base: $142,500.00 - $256,500.00; bonus/equity: eli...
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Technical leadership for in vitro selection
High-throughput mammalian cell–based screening platforms
Partnering closely with computational protein design teams
** Moderna is seeking a Principal Scientist in Protein Design to lead innovative in vitro selection and cell-surface screening campaigns for viral and bacterial antigens. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in mammalian display systems and high-throughput selection strategies, contributing to the advancement of Moderna's mRNA technology platform. **

Job Summary

  • This role will lead the design, execution, and continuous advancement of high-throughput mammalian cell–based screening platforms that interrogate broadly applicable design principles for glycoprotein antigens.
  • The candidate in this position 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.
  • Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model.

Matching Summary

Match Score: 75

** Moderna is seeking a Principal Scientist in Protein Design to lead innovative in vitro selection and cell-surface screening campaigns for viral and bacterial antigens. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in mammalian display systems and high-throughput selection strategies, contributing to the advancement of Moderna's mRNA technology platform. **

Salary

Base: $142,500.00 - $256,500.00; Bonus/Equity: Eligible for annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award; Benefits: Best-in-class healthcare coverage, holistic approach to well-being, family planning benefits, generous paid time off, savings and investment opportunities

Skills & Requirements

Must-have

  • technical leadership for in vitro selection
  • high-throughput mammalian cell–based screening platforms
  • partnering closely with computational protein design teams
  • support screening of de novo designed proteins
  • lead execution of in vitro selection and cell-surface screening campaigns
  • build and deploy scalable screening systems
  • develop and operationalize advanced in vitro selection capabilities

Nice-to-have

  • desire to make an impact
  • high-growth, transformational company
  • culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship

Key Requirements

  • PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Protein Engineering, or a related field
  • 5+ years of post-PhD industry or equivalent experience
  • leading in vitro selection, mammalian cell-surface display, or directed-evolution efforts
  • Demonstrated ability to drive complex screening campaigns end-to-end
  • Deep expertise in mammalian display systems, high-throughput selection strategies, and experimental assay design
  • Strong working knowledge of computational, structure-based, or AI-driven protein design workflows
  • Scientific independence, judgment, and ownership consistent with a Principal Scientist role

Work Rights

Must be a US person (citizen, permanent resident, asylee, or refugee)

Tailored Resume

Cover Letter