Research Associate, Analytical Development

About 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.

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
• Avoid sources of assay variability and support 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

Pay & Benefits

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.

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

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.

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

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.