Senior Research Associate, Genome Sciences

The Role

The Role

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.

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.

Additional Duties

Additional duties as may be assigned from time to time.

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.

Pay & Benefits

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

About Moderna

We are 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.

Our Working Model

We have a 70/30 work model, with 70% in-office structure helping to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship.

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.

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.