Senior Scientist, Translational Immunology

Moderna is seeking a Senior Scientist to join the Infectious Disease Research Immunology team in Cambridge, MA. You will lead translational immunology studies that help teams understand immune responses and make decisions about vaccine and therapeutic candidates. The role combines scientific leadership with experimental expertise across preclinical models and human samples.   As a member of the Immunology leadership team, you will work across programs to identify the questions that matter, develop study plans, and interpret results in their biological and clinical context. We are seeking an immunologist with deep expertise in B cells, T cells, or innate immune cells who can apply that expertise to new questions and learn beyond their original specialty. The scientific focus will reflect your strengths and the needs of the portfolio. Expertise in every area listed below is not expected.   Here’s What You’ll Do: Lead translational immunology strategy for assigned programs, identifying the immune mechanisms to investigate and the evidence needed to inform candidate selection, study design, and subsequent development decisions. Design and lead studies using human samples and preclinical models to characterize immune-cell responses and connect cellular, antibody, and functional findings to program questions. Provide experimental expertise and scientific oversight in your area of specialization. Develop fit-for-purpose assays, establish appropriate controls, and explain what the results do and do not support. Work with colleagues in virology, bacteriology, antigen design, clinical development, medical affairs, biomarkers, and computational sciences to integrate findings across studies and guide the next experiments. Lead studies in your area of immunology expertise, such as B-cell and antibody biology, T-cell responses, or innate immunity, while applying and expanding your skills to address questions across programs. Support platform studies and new discovery efforts by evaluating emerging methods and identifying approaches that can be used across programs. Set scientific priorities with program teams, balance competing demands, and communicate scientific rationale, evidence, uncertainties, and recommendations clearly to research and development leaders. Mentor scientists and research associates, strengthen experimental design and data interpretation, and help colleagues build new capabilities.   Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications): PhD in immunology or a related discipline, with a strong foundation in immune-cell biology and relevant research experience. 2+ years of experience. Deep expertise in at least one area of cellular immunology, such as B-cell, T-cell, or innate immune-cell biology, supported by hands-on experience studying primary immune cells. Experience designing and interpreting cellular assays, including multiparameter flow cytometry and functional assays appropriate to your area of expertise. Demonstrated ability to translate a biological or clinical question into a study plan and use the findings to guide a research or development decision. Experience leading scientific work across disciplines, mentoring colleagues, and communicating complex results and their limitations clearly. Ability to learn new biological areas and methods quickly, adapt to changing program needs, and contribute beyond your primary specialty.   Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications): The following specialist methods and experience would strengthen your application. Candidates may bring depth in one or more areas; experience in all of them is not required.   B-cell and antibody biology, including antigen-specific cell isolation, antibody discovery, repertoire analysis, epitope mapping, or antibody binding and function. T-cell biology, including antigen-specific responses, differentiation and memory, antigen presentation, or functional assessment. Innate immune-cell biology,