Senior Research Associate, Cancer Vaccines Research

The Role

Moderna is committed to harnessing the power of mRNA technology to revolutionize cancer immunotherapy. We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Research Associate to support the advancement of our cancer vaccine platform through pre-clinical studies. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge pipeline through hands-on in vitro and in vivo experimentation with a focus on deep immune profiling.

The successful candidate will bring substantial experience in flow cytometry and cellular immunology with the ability to independently execute troubleshoot and refine immune-based assays. This role requires scientific curiosity flexibility and a strong collaborative spirit. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to design implement and analyze experiments that inform cancer vaccine discovery and development.

Heres What Youll Do

• Develop optimize and execute primary immune cell-based assays using mouse and human samples to evaluate responses to mRNA-based cancer vaccines.

• Design and implement high-parameter flow cytometry panels for in-depth immune profiling; analyze and interpret complex cytometry data.

• Isolate and culture immune cell subsets from blood tumors and lymphoid tissues using standard and novel techniques.

• Collect and process samples from pre-clinical in vivo models to assess vaccine immunogenicity and mechanism of action.

• Execute and adapt protocols with minimal guidance; troubleshoot and incorporate new techniques by reviewing current literature.

• Collaborate across functional teams to plan studies interpret results and share findings through presentations and written reports.

• Maintain rigorous documentation and contribute to regulatory filings and project deliverables.

Heres What Youll Bring to the Table

• BS with 2 years of relevant experience or MS with 0 years in immunology immuno-oncology cancer biology or related fields.

• Strong preference for industry experience supporting immunology-focused drug discovery or translational research.

• Proven expertise in ex vivo functional assays including flow cytometry ELISpot ELISA and reporter-based systems.

• Hands-on experience with immune cell isolation and culture from both human and murine sources.

• Independent proficiency in high-parameter flow cytometry (including intracellular cytokine staining); experience with BD and/or Cytek platforms preferred.

• Familiarity with in vivo models of cancer or immunization including sample collection and basic procedures.

• Strong critical thinking and communication skills with the ability to proactively identify and address experimental challenges.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced collaborative environment while maintaining attention to detail and scientific rigor.

• At Moderna we are focused on delivering on our mission by enabling talent to thrive. For this role we are currently unable to offer immigration sponsorship. Candidates must already hold work authorization in US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna we believe that when you feel your best you can do your best work. Thats why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support youat work at home and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class healthcare coverage 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 investment opportunities to help you plan for the future

• Location-specific perks and extras

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 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 persons 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 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

Were 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 .

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 applicants 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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