Principal 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 Principal Research Associate within Analytical Technical Operations, you will serve as a technical anchor for bioassay execution supporting Technical Development programs across Moderna’s mRNA pipeline.
You will combine deep hands-on laboratory expertise with leadership in troubleshooting, assay performance, and workflow optimization in a high-throughput setting.
Operating as a fully onsite individual contributor in Norwood, MA, you will play a critical role in ensuring assay robustness, mentoring team members, and advancing automated and data-driven bioanalytical capabilities.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

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

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

Prepare assay plates, perform transfections, and execute multi-day workflows supporting development, characterization, release, and stability testing.

Lead technically complex troubleshooting, investigations, and root cause analysis while remaining an active, hands-on contributor in the laboratory.

Monitor cell health, confluency, and viability, providing technical oversight to ensure assay readiness and execution quality.

Operate laboratory equipment including plate readers, plate washers, incubators, biosafety cabinets, and automated assay execution platforms.

Acquire, analyze, and interpret data using established analysis tools and curve fitting methodologies.

Maintain accurate and organized experimental records, reinforcing strong documentation practices and inspection readiness across the team.

Provide guidance to Research Associates and Senior Research Associates on assay execution, best practices, and scientific troubleshooting.

Lead or contribute to assay transfers, protocol optimization, and implementation of automated workflows to enhance robustness, efficiency, and data quality.

Drive process improvements and lab efficiency initiatives, contributing to continuous operational excellence.

Leverage digital tools and advanced analytics, including exposure to emerging generative AI capabilities, to enhance data interpretation and workflow scalability.

Operate as a full-time, onsite individual contributor at Moderna’s Technology Center campus in Norwood, MA; this position is not eligible for remote work.

The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:

“We act with dynamic range, driving strategy and execution at the same time at every step.”

“We behave like owners. The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description.”

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Basic Qualifications)

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related technical discipline

• Experience: 5 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree or 2 years of experience with a Master’s degree

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience: 7 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree or 5 years of experience with a Master’s degree

• Hands-on laboratory experience in cell culture and bioassays

• Deep understanding of ELISA, IVRPE, potency assays, or related plate-based bioassays

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique

• Strong organizational and time management skills

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

• Experience working with adherent mammalian cell lines

• Experience with plate-based assays, multichannel pipetting, and automated assay workflows

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

• Demonstrated ability to solve complex experimental issues, lead investigations, and improve assay performance

• Experience training or mentoring junior staff and serving as a role model for lab best practices

• 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

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—at 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 salary range for this role is $89,900.00 - $143,800.00. 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 leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. 

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. #LI-TR2

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