Sr. Research Associate, Protein Design

Mission

Moderna is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join the Protein Design team at its Cambridge, MA site. This role will support protein expression screening and characterization for the Infectious Disease Research.

About the role

This role will primarily support protein expression screening and characterization for the Infectious Disease Research. The candidate will be responsible for utilizing mammalian cell culture techniques for protein expression, applying chromatographic methods for protein purification, and performing biophysical characterization of proteins to support the development of vaccines and therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Mammalian cell culture and protein expression primarily in mammalian cells;
• Protein purification by chromatography-based methods (affinity, ion exchange, size-exclusion, use of FPLC systems for semi-automated purifications);
• Testing and optimizing expression/purification conditions;
• Characterization of proteins by standard biochemical and biophysical techniques (SDS-PAGE, western blots, DSC, DSF, SEC-MALS);
• Manage an inventory of laboratory reagents and support logistics of external receipts/shipping for partnered programs;
• Interpret, summarize, and present experimental data and results at group meetings, project meetings and department meetings;
• Absorb protein expression via flow cytometry-based approaches;
• Research and develop new protein purification methods, and scout other enabling technologies to facilitate production of difficult-to-express proteins;
• Effectively communicate project goals, timelines, progress, and results across functional groups;
• Use Agentic AI approaches to assist data analysis, organization, and presentation;
• Manage an inventory of laboratory reagents and support logistics of external receipts/shipping for partnered programs;
• Interpret, summarize, and present experimental data and results at group meetings, project meetings and department meetings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 1+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture techniques for protein expression.
• Proficiency in standard methods for recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Experience operating and performing basic maintenance on FPLC systems.
• Familiarity with biophysical characterization techniques for proteins.
• Ability to work on multiple collaborative projects in a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong multi-tasking skills to support technology development and research objectives.
• Solid quantitative analysis skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Prior co-op or internship experience in a protein biochemistry laboratory is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience with techniques such as BLI and SPR to study biomolecular interactions.
• Knowledge of viral vaccine antigens.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.