Principal Research Associate, Protein Design

The Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented candidate to join our team and support Moderna’s early research and development pipeline. In this role, you will contribute directly to the discovery and advancement of next-generation biologics by applying innovative, high-throughput screening technologies in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the cutting edge of functional genomics and cell engineering, helping to identify and validate lead therapeutic candidates across multiple disease areas.

The successful candidate will play a central role in developing, optimizing, and deploying advanced lentiviral-based screening platforms across diverse biological systems. You will work at the interface of molecular biology, genomics, computational design, and translational discovery, partnering closely with Scientists and cross-functional teams to translate screening insights into impactful therapeutic programs.

Here's What You’ll Do:

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments independently, with guidance from Scientists as needed

• Critically evaluate data, document observations, troubleshoot experiments, and maintain thorough records in an electronic lab notebook

• Communicate experimental results, insights, and challenges effectively during team meetings and cross-functional discussions

• Maintain and expand primary human cell cultures and cancer cell lines

• Generate engineered cell lines through transient transfection, stable transduction, selection, and validation

• Perform core cell and molecular biology techniques, including PCR, molecular cloning, flow cytometry, and Western blotting

• Produce and titer lentiviral vectors to support screening workflows

• Optimize and execute pooled lentiviral screening workflows to enable massively parallel screening of diverse biologics

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s 5+ years of experience or Master’s degree with 2+ years of experience in Biology, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field

• This is a site-based role requiring full-time presence at a Moderna location; this position is not eligible for remote work

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

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry

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.

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