Sr. Research Associate, Protein Design

About the role

Moderna is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join the Protein Design team at its Cambridge, MA site. This role supports protein expression screening and characterization for the Infectious Disease Research. The candidate will utilize mammalian cell culture techniques for protein expression, apply chromatographic methods for protein purification, and perform 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
• Audit 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

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.

Skills

• Experience with Agentic AI approaches to assist data analysis, organization, and presentation.

Benefits

At Moderna, we offer best-in-class healthcare coverage, voluntary benefit programs, family planning benefits, generous paid time off, savings and investment opportunities, and more. The salary range for this role is $74,000.00 - $118,400.00. Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment. Equal Opportunities. Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified job applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Accommodations. This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).