Scientist, Genetic Assays

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.

Join Moderna’s Clinical Bioanalytical team at our Harwell, Oxfordshire site and help connect basic science research, bioanalysis, genomics and informatics to advance programs into the clinic and translate clinical findings into new opportunities across Moderna’s pipeline.

As a sole-contributor scientist, you will bring deep expertise in genetic, biochemical and molecular biology assays to develop and execute phase-appropriate approaches supporting pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis. You will work across technologies including genomic DNA and RNA isolation, qPCR, ddPCR, RNA sequencing, MSD, ELISA and immunoblotting, while establishing robust mRNA-based bioanalytical capabilities internally and with external partners.

This is an opportunity to operate at the intersection of translational science, clinical bioanalysis and emerging technology. Alongside hands-on scientific and regulatory responsibilities, you will have opportunities to get close to Generative AI and digital tools that can support scientific workflows, knowledge synthesis and data-driven ways of working across Moderna.

Here's What You'll Do:

• Design and effectively execute phase-appropriate biochemical and molecular biology assays to enable PK/PD analysis, including genomic DNA and RNA isolation, qPCR, ddPCR, RNA sequencing, MSD, ELISA, immunoblotting and other relevant technologies.
• Develop assays in a timely manner aligned with program timelines, ensuring assay qualification or validation is fit for purpose within GcLP compliance for clinical use.
• Troubleshoot scientific and technical issues arising internally and through external CRO partners, applying rigorous molecular and bioanalytical expertise to maintain assay performance and data quality.
• Evaluate and review raw data, study analytical reports and assay validation reports, as appropriate, ensuring laboratories perform analyses in compliance with current regulatory, industry and Moderna standards and that resulting data meet required regulatory and scientific quality expectations.
• Establish internal and external mRNA-based bioanalytical capability and facilitate method development to support Moderna’s portfolio.
• Support analytical equipment procurement and qualification, preparation and maintenance of SOPs, and the determination and control of critical reagents.
• Stay current with scientific literature, government guidelines and internal guidance relating to clinical trial conduct, including Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), internal SOPs, applicable regulations and White Papers for clinical bioanalysis, ensuring practices remain consistent with regulatory expectations.
• Collaborate with Clinical Operations and Sample Management to define the sample journey and develop appropriate laboratory manuals.
• Apply expert knowledge of RT-PCR, ddPCR, RNA sequencing and other methodologies used for preclinical and clinical assays.
• Bring working knowledge of the translational literature and competitive landscape in the ASO field, connecting external scientific developments with Moderna’s bioanalytical work.
• Communicate complex scientific concepts, program objectives and data analyses effectively within a matrix environment.
• Apply knowledge of GcLP requirements alongside an understanding of current industry trends and regulatory expectations associated with analytical science.
• Leverage experience with RNA, biologics and cell therapy where applicable to strengthen assay strategies and bioanalytical approaches.
• Utilize Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS), electronic laboratory notebooks (eLNB) and laboratory automation where relevant; experience in these areas would be an advantage.
• Explore opportunities to work alongside digital and Generative AI-enabled tools as Moderna continues to evolve how scientific information, workflows and insights can be used to accelerate impact.

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

• “We obsess over learning. We don’t have to be the smartest we have to learn the fastest.”
• “We act with dynamic range, driving strategy and execution at the same time at every step.”

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

• A Ph.D. in genetic assays from the following areas: infectious disease, Immuno-oncology, Immunology, Cancer Biology, or related fields and a minimum of 5 years of industry biotech/pharmaceutical experience. B.S./M.S. with a minimum of 7 years of bioanalytical and GcLP/GLP experience are considered

• Experience with RNA, biologics and cell therapy preferred

• Expert knowledge of RT-PCR, ddPCR, RNA sequencing and other methodologies for preclinical and clinical assays.
• Working knowledge of the translational literature and competitive landscape in the ASO field.
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts, program objectives, data analysis within a matrix environment.

• Knowledge of GcLP requirements and understanding of current industry trends and regulatory expectations associated with analytical science.
• Experience on Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS) and electronic lab note books (eLNB) would be a plus
• Experience on automation would be a plus.

Our Working Model

As we build our company, we have always believed that an in-person culture is critical to our success. This role is 100% onsite, reflecting the importance of being physically present to support the work, collaborate closely with colleagues, and contribute to our site-based operations.

Working onsite enables real-time collaboration, strong team connections, direct mentorship, and the hands-on partnership needed to deliver our mission. 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.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Competitive healthcare, 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 building benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investments to help you plan for the future
• Location-specific perks and extras

The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.

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. 

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 committed to equal opportunity in employment 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. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 

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 accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment 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 and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. 

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