Principal Scientist, Process Development (Expression Systems)

The Role

Moderna is seeking an Individual to lead host strain vector and expression system strategy for E. coli-based production of recombinant enzymes plasmids and related biological materials supporting Modernas technology platforms and pipeline programs.

This role owns the front end of microbial production: designing building screening and selecting host/vector/expression systems that enable high-performing scalable and robust upstream processes.

The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in microbial genetics molecular biology expression-system design screening workflows data-driven construct selection and translation of small-scale screening outputs into process-development-ready leads.

Heres What Youll Do

• Own the strategy for E. coli host strain vector and expression-system for recombinant enzymes plasmids and related biological materials.
• Design and execute screening cascades that identify production candidates with strong titer yield quality genetic stability robustness and process-development potential.
• Define stage-appropriate decision criteria for host/vector selection expression tuning induction strategy plasmid stability growth product quality and manufacturability.
• Develop and optimize small-scale and high-throughput screening workflows including shake flask deep-well plate ambr or other scale-down systems where appropriate.
• Evaluate host strains promoters ribosome binding sites copy number plasmid architecture induction systems codon/design strategies secretion or localization strategies where relevant and expression timing.
• Use DOE and data-driven approaches to improve screening throughput predictiveness reproducibility and translation to bioreactor performance.
• Lead or support strain and vector engineering to improve expression performance stability productivity robustness and manufacturability.
• Apply molecular biology microbial physiology and synthetic biology principles to troubleshoot poor expression instability toxicity metabolic burden inclusion body formation degradation or inconsistent performance.
• Define fit-for-purpose characterization and handoff packages for candidate strains and constructs including strain/vector history design rationale screening data stability observations known risks and recommended development paths.
• Partner with process development analytical development downstream purification informatics automation and data science teams to ensure screening outputs are actionable and linked to relevant quality and process attributes.
• Develop platform approaches and standardized documentation data capture decision criteria and knowledge-management practices for recurring enzyme plasmid or microbial production needs.
• Support cross-functional troubleshooting technical reports development summaries CMC-supporting documentation and regulatory responses as needed.
• Serve as a technical leader and mentor in microbial genetics molecular biology expression-system design screening strategy and data interpretation.

Heres What Youll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• PhD in Molecular Biology Microbiology Chemical/Biochemical Engineering Biotechnology Synthetic Biology or a related discipline with 5 years of relevant industry experience; or MS with 10 years; or BS with 12 years of relevant industry experience.
• Substantial industry experience with E. coli strain engineering vector design expression-system development or microbial production screening.
• Hands-on expertise developing and executing microbial expression-screening workflows for recombinant proteins enzymes plasmids or related biological products.
• Strong understanding of E. coli genetics physiology metabolism plasmid biology expression regulation and genetic stability.
• Experience designing and interpreting experiments that connect host/vector/expression choices to titer yield quality robustness and manufacturability.
• Experience with small-scale or high-throughput screening systems and translation of screening data into process-development decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical projects influence stakeholders across functions and communicate clearly through technical writing data analysis and presentations.

Heres What Youll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Direct experience developing E. coli expression systems for recombinant enzymes and/or plasmid production.
• Experience with strain engineering promoter/RBS libraries plasmid copy-number optimization induction-system tuning codon/design strategies secretion/localization approaches or protein solubility optimization.
• Experience building screening cascades that balance speed throughput biological relevance and scale translation.
• Working knowledge of fermentation process development downstream interfaces and analytical methods used to assess expression identity purity activity plasmid quality host-cell impurities nucleic acid burden or product-related impurities.
• Experience supporting CMC-facing documentation technical reports regulatory questions and operation as either a senior technical individual contributor or manager of a small technical team.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna we believe that when you feel your best you can do your best work. Thats why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support youat work at home and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class healthcare coverage plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs

• A holistic approach to well-being with access to fitness mindfulness and mental health support

• Family planning benefits including fertility adoption and surrogacy support

• Generous paid time off including vacation volunteer days sabbatical global recharge days and a discretionary year-end shutdown

• Savings and investment opportunities to help you plan for the future

• Location-specific perks and extras

About Moderna

Since 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 people are 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.

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine we invite you to visit to learn more about our current opportunities.

Our Working Model

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.

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

Equal Opportunities

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a persons 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 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 an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories consistent with legal requirements.

Accommodations

Were focused on attracting retaining developing and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences backgrounds and ideas we create an environment where every employee can 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 .

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