Sr. Scientist, Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Modeling

Key Skills

Apache Hadoop, C Programming, C++, Data science techniques, Java Programming, Machine learning techniques, MapReduce, Python Programming, PyTorch, R Programming, Scala Programming, SQL, TensorFlow

Job Description

The Role:

• Moderna is seeking a Scientist/Sr. Scientist of Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) Modeling to design, develop and use mechanistic disease-level mathematical quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) models which will help drive optimal decision making in the development of mRNA therapies across a range of therapeutic areas and modalities at both the preclinical and clinical levels. Primary objectives will include developing QSP models and integrating them with PK/PD models to
• 1) help with decision making on optimal selection of discovery targets,
• 2) aid in the design of preclinical studies for enhanced human translation of drug dose level and regimen, and
• 3) help optimize clinical study designs. The role will include collaborating with cross-functional teams, presenting modeling results and conclusions in a concise manner at internal team meetings and scientific conferences, publishing manuscripts, and staying up to date on the latest scientific and computational tools and literature.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Apply state-of-the art QSP and pharmacometrics methods for the design, development, calibration, validation and use of QSP and disease-level models. The purpose of this work is to yield high value modeling & simulation (M&S) support for critical decision making to facilitate the advancement of mRNA therapy candidates at Moderna.
• Perform sensitivity analysis, carryout hypothesis testing and integrate QSP modeling with population PK/PD and machine learning techniques within assigned program-related projects.
• Develop new tools and methods to perform advanced M&S work.
• Conduct extensive literature reviews to obtain the necessary knowledge and data for model building.
• Leverage existing virtual population workflows, published models and script-based analysis packages.
• Produce high quality presentations of results & conclusions for impactful program-related group and team discussions.
• Participate in maintaining scientific awareness and presence in quantitative pharmacology and pharmacometrics science through publishing, attending conferences and being up to date on the latest scientific and computational tools and knowledge of relevance.

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

• PhD in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mathematics, Bioinformatics, Pharmacometrics, Systems Biology/Pharmacology with a proven record of productivity through publications and conference presentations.
• 2+ years post-graduate experience in building, calibrating, validating and using QSP or similar types of mathematical models to support translational and/or clinical research.
• Excellent understanding of theory, principals and statistical aspects of advanced mathematical modeling, including the design and development of mechanistic systems models using ordinary differential equations (ODEs), numerical methods, parameter optimization/estimation and sensitivity analysis.
• Good understanding of Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) basic principles.
• Ability and strong willingness to learn new areas of biological and medical sciences and be able to integrate the knowledge and data to develop and use QSP models to produce high quality results and conclusions that can be communicated to department colleagues, and at cross-functional and governance meetings.
• Hands on experience with modeling software, such as Matlab/Simbiology, Julia/PUMAS, NONMEM and Monolix.
• Experience with data manipulation tools, such as R and Python is necessary. Understanding of data science and machine learning principles, including neural networks is preferred.
• Ability to work independently, as well as in cross-functional teams.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

Here’s What We’ll Bring to the Table:

• On-site subsidized cafeteria or catered lunches
• Company-provided iPhone
• Free parking, monthly subway pass or a subsidized commuter rail pass
• Free annual corporate membership to Bluebikes
• Highly competitive healthcare coverage including: medical offered through BCBS (HMO/PPO), dental, and vision offered through VSP
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
• 16 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents
• 16 weeks 100% paid family caregiver leave
• 20 weeks 100% paid medical leave
• Eligible for “Moderna Month” (one month paid sabbatical after five years of service and eligible for additional one month paid sabbatical every 3 years thereafter)
• Adoption assistance and discounts to local childcare centers, as well as access to care.com
• 401k (traditional and Roth offered) with 50% match on first 6% deferred. Match is vested immediately
• A suite of Moderna paid insurance coverage, including: life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
• Voluntary legal assistance plan
• 15 days’ vacation and 7 sick days per year, in addition to a discretionary winter shut down and 11 company paid holidays (includes 2 floating holidays)