Senior Scientist, Cancer Vaccine and Bioinformatics Research
About the position 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. Responsibilities • 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. Requirements • 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). Nice-to-haves • 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. Benefits • 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. Apply tot his job