# Principal Scientist, TCR Optimization

Hiring organization: [Moderna](https://career.thegoodapps.co/organizations/moderna)

Canonical page: https://career.thegoodapps.co/jobs/9739ee04-682b-4f75-9654-d7345eae1110

Listed on Moderna's own careers site. Applications go to them directly.

- Seniority: Senior
- Salary: 142500 – 256500 USD per year

## Summary

Lead the design and optimization of T cell receptors for Moderna's next-generation therapeutics, combining wet-lab protein engineering with computational approaches. This role suits experienced scientists who excel at executing complex experimental workflows and collaborating across teams to advance TCR candidates from discovery through preclinical development.

_Our summary, not Moderna's wording._

## Required

- PhD in immunology, protein engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, or related field
- 5+ years post-PhD experience in TCR engineering, protein engineering, directed evolution, or display-based screening
- Hands-on execution of TCR optimization workflows connecting binding, stability, expression, developability, and functional data
- Experience with display technologies, library design, affinity maturation, and specificity engineering
- Design and interpretation of binding, stability, expression, and biophysical assays
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex experimental workflows and deliver high-quality datasets
- Experience collaborating with computational biology, AI/ML, NGS, and preclinical teams
- Ability to independently make and communicate key decisions based on experimental data
- Strong written and presentation communication skills

## Nice to have

- Understanding of TCR-pMHC recognition, T cell biology, and therapeutic TCR formats
- Experience in TCR cross-reactivity assessment and off-target risk evaluation
- Integration of computational predictions with wet-lab screening data
- Use of sequence analysis, NGS, structure-guided design, or sequence-function modeling
- Experience evaluating or implementing new display, screening, or automation technologies
- Ability to operate as both hands-on contributor and cross-functional project leader in fast-paced environment

Apply on Moderna's site: https://modernatx.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/M_tx/job/Cambridge-Massachusetts/Principal-Scientist--TCR-Optimization_R19576