Senior Research Associate, Genome Sciences

About 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

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

Skills

• 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 of a team that is changing the future of medicine.

Pay & Benefits

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.

At Moderna, we consider qualified job applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Moderna is a place where every employee can contribute their best. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!

We are 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.