Scientist, Gene Editing and Innovation

The Role:

As part of our vision, Moderna is committed to invest in R&D to further expand our impact on patients. We are building an independent research and business unit for genomic medicines, called Moderna Genomics (mGx) based in Technology Square, Cambridge, MA. mGx will be an innovation engine for the company focused on discovering and delivering the next generation of in vivo gene editing and nonviral gene therapies. mGx strives to be an industry leader in genomic medicines

mGx is looking for a scientist to join the Genome Editing and Innovation team to drive novel gene-editing technologies such as DNA/RNA-modifying enzyme systems. The successful candidate must be detail-oriented with a curious mindset and a motivated individual who can drive projects independently. The individual will apply their molecular biology/biochemistry expertise to characterize novel genome editors and improve their performance/activity for gene editing in Mammalian cells. The scientist will collaborate with internal and external partners and work in a matrix-based environment to drive projects. The position will offer the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of gene editing research and will directly impact Moderna Genomic’s innovation efforts.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Perform proof of concept CRISPR-based genome editing experiments using biochemical methods and in mammalian cell-based systems.

• Experience designing/cloning DNA constructs

• DNA/RNA extraction and design sequencing workflow to determine editing efficiency

• Experience in measuring mRNA and protein expression using various methods.

• Act as a liaison and collaborate in a matrixed organization to optimize gene editing efficiency in different animal models

• Collaborate with internal teams to understand therapeutic editing needs

• Document results in electronic notebooks

• Analyze and synthesize results to assess future directions

• Present and discuss data with stakeholders

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• Advanced degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or Biochemistry

• Broad understanding of molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemical methodologies is required

• Proven technical proficiency and demonstrated skill in designing, executing, and interpreting molecular biology and next-generation sequencing experiments

• Knowledge of CRISPR landscape and experience in mammalian genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 or similar technologies.

• Organized, and driven, with demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively within a broader cross-functional team

• Effective communicator (written and verbal)

Preferred experience

• Understanding of DNA repair pathways and emerging gene-editing technologies in the field.

• Knowledge of retroelements, transposons

• Understanding of bioinformatics and structural biology

Moderna 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 options
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
• Lifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activities
• Family care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoring
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes 
• Exclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipment
• Adoption and family-planning benefits
• Dedicated care coordination support for our LGBTQ community
• Generous 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 thereafter
• Generous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents
• 401k match and Financial Planning tools
• Moderna-paid Life, LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit options
• Complimentary concierge service including home services research, travel booking, and entertainment requests
• Free parking or subsidized commuter passes
• Location-specific perks and extras!

Candidates should be aware that Moderna currently maintains a policy requiring all US-based employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive a booster shot once eligible. Newly hired employees must be vaccinated and boosted prior to their employment start date. Moderna is an equal opportunity employer and will provide a reasonable accommodation to those unable to be vaccinated or receive a booster where it is not an undue hardship to the company to do so as provided under federal, state, and local law.

About Moderna

In over 10 years since its inception, Moderna has transformed from a research-stage company advancing programs in the field of messenger RNA (mRNA), to an enterprise with a diverse clinical portfolio of vaccines and therapeutics across seven modalities, a broad intellectual property portfolio in areas including mRNA and lipid nanoparticle formulation, and an integrated manufacturing plant that allows for rapid clinical and commercial production at scale. Moderna maintains alliances with a broad range of domestic and overseas government and commercial collaborators, which has allowed for the pursuit of both groundbreaking science and rapid scaling of manufacturing. Most recently, Moderna's capabilities have come together to allow the authorized use and approval of one of the earliest and most effective vaccines against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moderna's mRNA platform builds on continuous advances in basic and applied mRNA science, delivery technology and manufacturing, and has allowed the development of therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular diseases and autoimmune diseases. Moderna has been named a top biopharmaceutical employer by Science for the past seven years. To learn more, visit www.modernatx.com.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free and drug-free work environment.

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

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