Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Moderna is seeking a highly motivated computational scientist to join a collaborative team supporting computational biology. This role focuses on mRNA sequence design, analysis, and the development of tools to enhance sequence engineering workflows.
Responsibilities
- 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
Skills
- 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
- 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
Benefits
- 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 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
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