Sr. Research Associate, Analytical Development

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.

In this role, you will operate at the interface of product biology and analytical methodology, translating complex biological mechanisms into robust, high-performing cell-based bioassays.
As a Senior Research Associate, you will independently generate and interpret high-quality data that informs product understanding, assay performance, and lifecycle progression from early development through commercialization.
Working as an individual contributor in a 100% onsite environment in Norwood, you will collaborate cross-functionally while leveraging advanced digital tools and gaining exposure to Generative AI to enhance analytical insights, assay development, and decision-making.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Independently execute and optimize cell-based bioassays to assess functional activity of mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines

• Design and perform experiments to elucidate the relationship between product biology, mechanism of action, and assay readouts

• Contribute to assay development strategies by evaluating assay formats, controls, and critical parameters

• Analyze and interpret complex datasets to support assay performance, comparability, and deep product understanding

• Troubleshoot assay variability and performance issues, identifying root causes and implementing robust improvements

• Support assay qualification activities in alignment with regulatory expectations

• Author and review technical documentation, including protocols, reports, and method lifecycle documentation

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Analytical Development, Quality, Process Development, and Research teams to support method transfer, characterization studies, and lifecycle management

• Evaluate and implement new technologies or innovative approaches to enhance assay robustness, sensitivity, and throughput

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 pursue options in parallel to make the best choice later.”

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

• BS degree with ≥2 years of relevant industry experience, or MS degree with ≥0 years of experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biological Engineering, or a related field

• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based bioassays

• Proficiency with techniques such as ELISA, flow cytometry, or luminescence/fluorescence-based reporter assays

• Familiarity with nucleic acids (e.g. RNA, DNA) and delivery systems (e.g. LNP, lipoplex, AAV)

• Ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, and draw scientifically sound conclusions

• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in assay development contexts

• Strong organizational and communication skills, with experience documenting and presenting data

• Collaborative, proactive, and detail-oriented mindset

• 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.

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.

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