Sr. Research Associate, Analytical Technical Operations

The Role:

Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients.

Moderna is strengthening its presence in Norwood Massachusetts a cornerstone of our manufacturing and operational excellence. Our Norwood campus translates mRNA science into scalable impact supporting the global delivery of our medicines. We welcome talent ready to drive innovation and make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide.

As a Senior Research Associate within Analytical Technical Operations you will execute critical bioassay testing to support development characterization release and stability programs across Modernas mRNA pipeline.
You will operate in a fast-paced laboratory environment delivering precise consistent and high-quality assay execution while contributing to troubleshooting and continuous improvement.
This individual contributor role blends hands-on scientific expertise in cell-based and ELISA assays with increasing ownership of assay performance workflow optimization and implementation of advanced and automated analytical capabilities.

Heres What Youll Do:

Perform routine cell-based ELISA assays to evaluate in vitro relative protein expression (IVRPE) across development characterization release and stability samples.

Culture and maintain mammalian cell lines using aseptic technique ensuring optimal cell health confluency and viability.

Prepare assay plates execute transfections and manage multi-day workflows with precision and consistency.

Conduct serial dilutions reagent preparation sample handling and plate-based assay execution in alignment with established protocols.

Monitor assay performance and respond to routine experimental issues with limited oversight applying strong troubleshooting skills.

Operate laboratory instrumentation including plate readers plate washers incubators biosafety cabinets and associated equipment.

Acquire review and analyze experimental data using established tools including curve fitting methodologies.

Maintain accurate organized and inspection-ready records within laboratory systems and notebooks.

Provide day-to-day technical guidance to Research Associates on assay execution laboratory best practices and troubleshooting fundamentals.

Troubleshoot experimental challenges support investigations and proactively identify opportunities to enhance assay robustness efficiency and scalability.

Lead or contribute to optimization of assay protocols and workflows to improve data quality throughput and readiness for automation.

Support method transfers and the implementation of automated workflows leveraging digital tools and opportunities to engage with emerging generative AI technologies to enhance analytical insights.

Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support evolving Technical Development priorities.

The key Moderna Mindsets youll need to succeed in the role:

We behave like owners. The solutions were building go beyond any job description.

We obsess over learning. We dont have to be the smartest we have to learn the fastest.

Heres What Youll Bring to the Table (Basic Qualifications)

• MS OR Bachelors degree in Biology Biochemistry Cell Biology or related field with 2 years of relevant laboratory experience

• Hands-on laboratory experience in cell culture and/or bioassays

• Basic understanding of ELISA or immunoassays

• Experience with mammalian cell culture techniques

• Familiarity with aseptic technique

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• This position is site-based requiring you to be at Modernas site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Heres What Youll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Masters degree with 23 2-3 years of experience or BS/BA with 35 3-5 years of experience in a relevant field

• Hands-on experience with cell-based ELISA IVRPE or potency assays

• Strong working knowledge of ELISA immunoassays or other plate-based assays

• Experience with mammalian cell culture (adherent and suspension) and aseptic technique

• Experience with plate-based assays multichannel pipetting and multi-day assay workflows

• Familiarity with plate reader software electronic laboratory documentation and routine data analysis

• Experience with method troubleshooting assay transfer support or implementation of improved workflows

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot experiments and improve assay performance

• Experience training or mentoring junior staff

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow and improve detailed procedures

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

• Adaptability in a fast-paced laboratory setting

• Strong organizational and time management skills

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

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 .

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