Senior Scientist, Cancer Vaccine and Bioinformatics Research
About the position Moderna is seeking aSenior 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, bolthires-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