Senior Research Associate, Genome Sciences

The Role

As part of our vision, Moderna is committed to investing in R&D to further expand our impact on patients. In this role, you will work in the Genome Sciences team to develop and execute cell-based and molecular assays that support programs across Genome Sciences and Moderna’s mRNA platform to develop cellular engineering technologies. You will help generate high-quality, decision-driving data through the design, development, and execution of in vitro experimental systems, with an emphasis on rigorous execution, goal-focused troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate brings strong immune cell culture experience combined with demonstratable expertise and experience in immediate downstream molecular- and cell-based assays.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Culture, maintain, and experimentally manipulate mammalian cell lines and primary human cells to support assay development and screening activities.

• Execute cell-based experiments to evaluate nucleic acid delivery, expression, durability, and related molecular and cellular outcomes.

• Execute flow cytometry-based assays to assess cell phenotype, viability, transfection or expression readouts, and other relevant cellular outcomes.

• Design, optimize, and execute qPCR assays for DNA and RNA quantification, including primer/probe design, assay qualification, controls, and standard curves.

• Collaboratively develop and implement ddPCR workflows to quantify vector copy number and other DNA-based readouts relevant to genomic sciences studies.

• Partner closely across teams to generate high-quality samples and support PCR and potentially other molecular or sequencing workflows.

• Analyze, interpret, and present high-quality experimental data in accordance with project timelines.

• Maintain accurate, detailed ELNs and records and help establish robust workflows, controls, and best practices.

• Execute and troubleshoot standard protocols, independently adapt new methods into practice, and incorporate additional assays as program needs evolve.

• Additional duties as may be assigned from time to time.

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

• Minimum Education: BS/BA in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, virology, biotechnology, bioengineering, or a related field with 2+years of experience

• Strong mammalian cell culture experience, particularly with primary immune cell types such as T cells and PBMCs, with proven ability to generate reproducible, high-quality data.

• Demonstrated expertise in qPCR or ddPCR assay design, development, optimization, and data interpretation.

• Excellent organizational, documentation, and cross-functional communication skills.

• Enthusiasm and a passion to deliver the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines.

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

• 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.

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

• MS with 3+ years of relevant experience in biotech, pharma, or an academically rigorous research environment.

• Experience with LNP and lipoplex transfection, electroporation, or other nucleic acid delivery workflows.

• Familiarity with PCR- and NGS-adjacent molecular characterization workflows.

• Familiarity with cellular engineering systems and tools for cell line generation and genomic medicines.

• Experience with flow cytometry and cell sorting.

• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and communicate experiments in a fast-paced research environment.

A desire to make an impact as part

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 $74,000.00 - $118,400.00. 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-NH1

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