Director, Computational Design & In Vitro Evolution

The Role:Moderna Infectious Disease is seeking an exceptionally talented, highly creative, and motivated senior scientific leader with a broad skill base in computational protein design, structural informatics, in vitro evolution, and vaccine design, to lead computational antigen design within Moderna's Antigen Design and Selection team. The Director, Computational Antigen Design and In Vitro Evolution, will be part of a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and fast-paced team that is translating Moderna's mRNA technology into an exceptionally broad portfolio of vaccines and therapeutics against infectious diseases. The Director will employ their extensive expertise in computational design, including both deep learning-based design and design specifically for nucleic acid delivery, bioinformatics, in vitro evolution, protein biochemistry and biophysics and vaccinology to lead a growing team of scientists focused on the development of novel antigens or therapeutics proteins that can be successfully encoded via Moderna's mRNA technology. The Director will work closely with the VP, Antigen Design & Selection, the Senior Director, Structure-Guided Antigen Design, and the VP, Immunology, as well as other members of the Research, Clinical Development and Clinical Biomarker teams to advance novel candidates to the clinic, conduct exploratory trials to inform the generation of improved vaccine antigens and dissect immune responses elicited by vaccination.This is a unique opportunity to work in an innovative environment on a truly transformative infectious diseases platform.Here's What You'll Do:Reporting to the Vice President for Antigen Design & Selection, the Director will:Lead the computational design, bioinformatics, and in vitro evolution teams within Antigen Design & Selection, to drive the iterative optimization of vaccines and therapeutics for Moderna Infectious Disease ResearchGuide team members in cutting edge computational design, informatics, and methods development including but not limited to deep learning-based methodsGuide team members to develop creative, structurally and immunologically targeted design solutions for a wide range of vaccine and therapeutic challengesCollaborate with other members of the Moderna infectious disease research leadership team to formulate strategy for development of vaccines and therapeuticsContribute structure-guided design and iterative optimization workflows to collaborations with other Moderna therapeutic areas for development of additional vaccines and therapeuticsExplore, test and implement innovative tools and practices that will optimize the potential of the mRNA platform for Infectious Disease Research.Contribute to the broader scientific and platform community at Moderna TherapeuticsContribute to the communication of R&D data for Infectious Disease Research through internal and external presentations and publications.Identify and nurture relationships with CROs and leading academic centers with state-of-the art capabilities for protein design, characterization andAs a member of the Research Leadership team, help shape the overall portfolio of approaches and problem-solve their technical executionHere's What You'll Bring to the Table:PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Computer Science, Immunology, Structural biology, or related field relevant to the role with 10 years of experience in computational protein design and informatics in Academia or industryExtensive experience in computational protein design, structural informatics, in vitro evolution, design of vaccines and antibodies for nucleic acid delivery, computational algorithm development, protein biochemistry and biophysics, and animal studies and vaccine evaluationProven record of discovery of several vaccines with successful proof-of-concept studies in animal models and, ideally, in human studiesExperience in carrying projects through to IND or other equivalent early clinical milestoneAbility to effectively lead and collaborate in a dynamic, cross-functional matrixed environment.Experience working with and overseeing partnerships with academic, industrial, governmental and other non-governmental organizationsOutstanding communication skills (verbal and written) Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environmentStrong leadership experience, including strategy and team managementCandidate will be curious in exploring new path for drug discovery, bold in proposing creative experimental designs and ideas.Will work collaboratively with multifunctional teams and will be relentless in pursuing successful outcomesModerna is pleased to provide you and your family with a comprehensive and innovative suite of benefits, including:Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage optionsFlexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expensesLifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activitiesFamily care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoringFree premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classesExclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipmentAdoption and family-planning benefitsDedicated care coordination support for our LGBTQ+ communityGenerous paid time off, including:• Vacation, sick time and holidays• Volunteer time to participate within your community• Discretionary year-end shutdown• Paid sabbatical after 5 years; every 3 years thereafterGenerous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents401k match and Financial Planning toolsModerna-paid Life, LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit optionsComplimentary concierge service including home services research, travel booking, and entertainment requestsFree parking or subsidized commuter passesLocation-specific perks and extras!About ModernaSince 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 peopleare 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 proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.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 an E-Verify Employer in the United States. 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 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 ****** . (EEO/AAP Employer) #LI-KF1-