Scientist, Chemistry and Delivery Science

The Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Scientist, Delivery Sciences, to join our multidisciplinary team focused on advancing next-generation lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technologies. In this role, you will drive the design, development, and optimization of LNP formulations that enable the delivery of transformative therapeutic modalities.

The successful candidate will combine scientific rigor with creativity, leveraging a deep curiosity for understanding the fundamental principles of LNP self-assembly, structure-function relationships, and delivery performance. You will apply experimental design, statistical modeling, and advanced analytical characterization techniques to generate insights that accelerate platform innovation and therapeutic development.

As a Scientist, you will independently conceive, design, execute, and interpret experiments while maintaining a strong commitment to data quality, reproducibility, and scientific excellence. You will effectively communicate findings, influence scientific strategy, and contribute to a collaborative environment where diverse expertise comes together to solve complex delivery challenges.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by advancing cutting-edge delivery technologies in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, and innovation-driven research organization.

Here's What You’ll Do:

• Design, execute, and interpret complex experiments to establish structure–activity relationships (SAR) that drive the rational design, optimization, and development of next-generation lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations.

• Develop and comprehensively characterize novel formulations using a broad range of biophysical, physicochemical, and analytical techniques to evaluate performance, stability, and delivery attributes.

• Conduct in-depth scientific literature reviews and competitive landscape assessments to identify emerging formulation technologies, translate new insights into experimental strategies, and implement innovative protocols that accelerate research objectives.

• Maintain rigorous and well-documented experimental records in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs), ensuring data integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with organizational standards.

• Drive scientific innovation through critical data analysis and collaborative problem-solving, contributing to the advancement of platform technologies and the progression of therapeutic product candidates.

• Effectively communicate scientific findings and strategic recommendations through presentations, technical reports, and cross-functional discussions, while serving as an active contributor to project teams and scientific forums.

• Partner closely with multidisciplinary teams across formulation, analytical development, biology, and process development to translate scientific discoveries into impactful therapeutic solutions.

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

• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline with 0–3 years of relevant industry experience, or an MS degree with 5+ years of industry experience in drug delivery, formulation development, or a related field.

• Strong scientific foundation in nanoparticle design, formulation development, and characterization, with experience in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), nucleic acid delivery systems, or other advanced drug delivery technologies preferred.

• High-Throughput Screening – Establish and execute high-throughput experimental platforms to rapidly evaluate formulation, process, and biological performance across large candidate libraries.

• Statistical Modeling, AI/ML – Develop and implement statistical models and AI/ML approaches to analyze complex datasets, uncover structure–property relationships, predict outcomes, and accelerate formulation and process optimization.

• Demonstrated ability to design rigorous experiments, analyze complex datasets, and generate actionable scientific insights that advance research programs and inform strategic decisions.

• A passion for exploring emerging therapeutic modalities and innovative delivery approaches, coupled with the creativity and intellectual curiosity to challenge conventional thinking and develop novel solutions.

• Proven ability to work independently while thriving in highly collaborative environments, effectively balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced research setting.

• Strong commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and execution, with a track record of delivering high-quality results and driving projects forward.

• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills, with the ability to connect experimental findings to broader scientific and translational objectives.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting scientific data, preparing technical reports, and contributing to cross-functional discussions.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build productive partnerships, mentor colleagues, and foster a collaborative team culture.

• Experience working effectively in a cross-functional, matrixed environment, partnering with scientists and stakeholders across formulation, analytical development, biology, process development, and other disciplines to advance therapeutic programs.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Competitive healthcare, 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 investments to help you plan for the future
• Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $109,200.00 - $174,600.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

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 modernatx.com/careers 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 person's 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 law.  Moderna 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

We’re 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 [email protected]. 

Export Control Notice This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.

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