Research Associate, Analytical Development

The Role:

Moderna is seeking a Research Associate for a position based at the Norwood, MA site. This individual will contribute to the development, refinement, and implementation of cell-based bioassays supporting release and stability testing for mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment. The role requires close partnership with multidisciplinary teams (Quality, Process Development, and Research) to generate scientifically rigorous data for both clinical and commercial programs.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

Execute cell-based bioassays to evaluate potency and biological activity of mRNA-based medicines

Support assay development, optimization, troubleshooting, and qualification activities under guidance

Perform routine cell culture and maintain cell lines

Analyze and document experimental data with accuracy and attention to detail

Assist in identifying sources of assay variability and supporting efforts to enhance assay robustness

Follow established protocols, SOPs, and regulatory expectations

Contribute to authoring technical documents such as protocols and reports

Collaborate with team members and cross-functional partners to support project timelines

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

BS degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biological Engineering, or related field with 0–3+ years of relevant experience

Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, transient transfections, bioassays or related biological techniques

Demonstrated scientific curiosity and ability to learn new experimental techniques, troubleshoot challenges and adapt in a fast-paced research environment

Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols accurately

Basic data analysis and problem-solving skills

Experience maintaining laboratory notebooks and documenting experimental work in a clear and organized manner

Strong communicator with a team-oriented mindset

Familiarity with GraphPad Prism, data visualization, and basic statistical concepts is a plus

Familiarity with techniques such as ELISA, cell-based assays, or reporter assays is a plus

Exposure to nucleic acid therapeutics and delivery technologies (e.g., RNA, DNA, LNP, viral vectors) is a plus

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

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 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 investments to help you plan for the future

Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $63,200.00 - $100,900.00. 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. Only U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are currently eligible to access such information without an export license. Candidates who do not meet these criteria may still be considered, contingent on the company’s ability to obtain any required export control license.
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