Senior Scientist, Cancer Vaccine and Bioinformatics Research

The Role
Moderna is seeking a Senior Scientist to join a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary, fast-paced Cancer Vaccine and Bioinformatics Research (CVBR) team based in Cambridge, MA. You will evaluate cancer-specific genomic aberrations and immune-evasion mechanisms, and translate public and proprietary datasets into high-value training data to develop and validate bioinformatics algorithms for individualized neoantigen therapy (INT). You will partner closely with computational biologists, immunologists, translational scientists, clinicians, and machine-learning scientists to drive INT discovery and clinical development.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Lead the end-to-end cancer genomics analytics strategy to surface clinically and biologically meaningful variants and events.

• Set and enforce best practices and quality standards for detection and interpretation across assays.

• Match sequencing and library modalities to study goals to maximize signal, cost-effectiveness, and turnaround.

• Develop, validate, and operationalize core algorithms and QC for the INT workflow.

• Integrate multi-omics data to cross-validate findings and prioritize actionable neoantigens.

• Build scalable, reproducible pipelines using workflow managers (e.g.,Nextflow) and containerization

• Collaborate with discovery and translational biology to shape experimental designs, data generation plans, and sample selection; contribute to clinical protocols, data review, and regulatory-grade documentation.

• Communicate results and recommendations clearly to diverse stakeholders; mentor junior scientists and help grow team capabilities.

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

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, Physics, or related field with at least two years post graduate experience in relevant bioinformatics research settings, preferrable in biotech industry.

• Demonstrated track record developing genomics data-analysis algorithms and delivering production-quality tools.

• Proficiency in Python, R, Nextflow, high-performance and cloud computing (e.g., AWS).

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

• Expertise with workflow systems (Nextflow preferred; Snakemake, Cromwell) and containerization (Docker); familiarity with software best practices (version control, code review, testing).

• Experience mining and harmonizing large-scale resources (TCGA, GTEx, CCLE, IMGT, 1000G, ExAC/gnomAD).

• Depth in algorithm evaluation, machine learning, and domain expertise in oncology

• Hands-on experience with somatic mutation detection, fusion/splicing detection, long-read RNA-seq (PacBio HiFi/Iso-Seq; ONT cDNA/direct RNA), and SV calling

• Strong problem-solving skills, clear written and verbal communication, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.

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 a suite of voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
• A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to personalize your well-being journey
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investment opportunities
• 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 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.

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