Principal Scientist, Rare Diseases, Elpidera

Moderna is a clinical stage pioneer of messenger RNA Therapeutics™, an entirely new in vivo drug technology that produces human proteins, antibodies and entirely novel protein constructs inside patient cells, which are in turn secreted or active intracellularly.

We seek a talented, experienced and motivated Principal Scientist to assist in developing the preclinical data package to support advancement of Moderna’s mRNA technology platform and pipeline. The successful candidate will drive the preclinical in vitro and in vivo pharmacology effort to validate the potential of novel mRNA therapeutics in the Rare Diseases therapeutic area. The successful candidate will lead the biochemistry and cell biology efforts, design and execute experiments, supervise laboratory personnel, present results internally and externally and manage collaborations and CROs. Applicants should be outstanding team members and have extensive experience in project management. The ability to effectively communicate across internal multi-disciplinary teams and with external partners is required.

* Provide leadership and direct a highly productive group of preclinical pharmacology scientists and research associates * Execute and oversee the development and validation of all necessary assays to measure RNA levels, expressed protein levels and in depth functionality of new therapeutics mRNAs * Set team priorities and deliver rigorous results in aggressive timelines * Provide scientific and technical support for multidisciplinary project teams * Prepare protocols, study or technical reports * Serve as departmental representative at R&D meetings. * Manage CROs and external collaborations

**Minimum Qualifications** * Exceptional; non-PhD, PhD with 10+ years of experience in industry in biochemistry, enzymology, pharmacology, or other related discipline. * Experience in managing direct reports * Demonstrated successful and substantial work in molecular, cellular and in vivo pharmacology * Ability to effectively allocate effort amongst multiple projects and drive to aggressive timelines * Experience in collaborating/directing/managing within a matrix research organization * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Strong work ethic **Preferred Qualifications** * Familiarity with animal models used in Rare Disease research * Extensive hands on experience in setting up in vitro and ex vivo biochemical assays * Familiarity with disease biomarkers * Experience in drug discovery or translational research in a biotech setting **Competencies** * Scientific Rigor * Common sense * Technical Expertise * Attention to Detail * Effective Problem Solving Skills * Results Orientation * Effective Communicator (Oral & Written) * Readily Adapts to Change & New Projects