Director, Nucleic Acid Chemistry And Novel Guide Synthesis

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 and our ultimate vision is to personalize Gene Editing for n=1 diseases.
mGx seeks an entrepreneurial, curious, intellectually agile, and mission-driven leader with domain expertise in nucleic acid chemistry and biochemistry to develop and optimize mGx’s gene editing medicines. The successful candidate will leverage his/her/their expertise in modified nucleic acid chemistry, RNA/DNA structure biology, and synthesis of large oligonucleotides to generate the novel guide nucleic acid components to improve specificity, accuracy and potency of mGx’s novel CRISPR based gene editing systems. Industry experience in solid phase synthesis and biochemical modification of nucleic acids is required. Demonstrated ability to think creatively and collaborate cross-functionally to drive innovative science is a must. This role will have the opportunity to make an impact through establishing key RNA engineering pipelines and biochemical assays for mGx gene editing efforts and contributing to building the team and culture for this new initiative.
Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Cross-functionally contribute to innovate the design of RNA-based gene editor components to maximize cellular potency and safety with biochemists, gene editing experts, enzymologists, and computational biologists.
• Establish and document processes for chemical manufacture of oligonucleotides with line of sight to scalable GxP manufacture
• Lead collaboration with Platform Research and external partners to discover and optimize manufacturing methods of novel large oligonucleotides to generate chemically modified guide RNA system to improve the performance of Moderna’s proprietary gene editing systems, including next generation gene editing systems to correct mutations
• Collaborate to all functional stakeholders to conduct experiments to create and build our internal knowledge foundation of the molecular mechanisms of novel guide components to enable future rule-based guide design and selection.
• Lead a team to synthesize, purify, structurally characterize, and analyze newly designed oligonucleotide components of novel CRSIPR based gene editing systems
• Manage CROs and support external collaboration activities
• Clearly communicate conclusions to internal and/or external stakeholders

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

• Experience with gene editing and in vitro RNA biochemistry assays is preferred.
• Ability to work on multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Significant expertise in large oligonucleotide synthesis, nucleic acids biochemistry and engineering, RNA biology, and the use and manipulation of chemically modified oligonucleotides.
• Demonstrate strong leadership capability in a multi-disciplinary organization
• Ability to communicate complex scientific issues in a logical and coherent manner
• A Ph.D. in Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or equivalent field
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a cross-functional team

Moderna is pleased to provide you and your family with a comprehensive and innovative suite of benefits, including:

• Generous paid time off, including:
• Lifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
• Adoption and family-planning benefits
• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options
• Family care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoring
• Generous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents
• Moderna-paid Life, LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit options
• Free parking or subsidized commuter passes
• Location-specific perks and extras!
• Complimentary concierge service including home services research, travel booking, and entertainment requests
• Paid sabbatical after 5 years; every 3 years thereafter
• Vacation, sick time and holidays
• Exclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipment
• Dedicated care coordination support for our LGBTQ+ community
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Volunteer time to participate within your community
• Discretionary winter shut down
• 401k match and Financial Planning tools

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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