Sr. Research Associate, Preclinical Quality Control in Research Analytics

The Role

This position requires a highly skilled and motivated Individual to support and advance high-throughput pre-clinical Quality Control (QC) workflows within Research Analytics. This role is critical to enabling robust, reproducible, and scalable analytical workflows that support method readiness, routine testing and release of both mRNA and Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) materials generated within Moderna’s Research environment.

In this role, the individual will operate at the intersection of hands-on analytical testing, workflow execution, automation-enabled assay support, and cross-functional collaboration. The successful candidate will help execute, troubleshoot, and improve pre-clinical QC analytical workflows while supporting sample testing, data generation, documentation, and method implementation across a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Depending on experience, the individual will contribute as a strong technical contributor supporting multiple concurrent testing priorities while partnering with cross-functional stakeholders and teams across Research. Beyond the immediate responsibilities, the candidate will be provided additional opportunities to support non-QC workflows, pending candidate’s competencies and effectiveness in championing the QC arena.  Success in this role requires strong scientific judgment, operational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver high-quality results under accelerated timelines.

Here’s What You Will Do

You will operate in a highly collaborative and dynamic environment within the Research Analytics Pre-clinical team, supporting analytical workflows that enable high-throughput testing and release of materials across Moderna’s mRNA platform. You will be responsible for executing established pre-clinical QC assays, supporting method implementation, troubleshooting assays and equipment issues, and contributing to workflow improvements.

This role requires strong technical execution, disciplined documentation practices, and the ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, automation engineers, stakeholders at various levels, and operational teams. You will balance hands-on laboratory testing with data review, protocol execution, equipment operation, and continuous improvement activities. Below are some highlights that provide more insight into the scope of the role:

• Execute pre-clinical QC analytical workflows to support testing of mRNA and encapsulated mRNA materials in a high-throughput operations environment.
• Perform established analytical assays such as capillary electrophoresis, LC-MS, HPLC/UPLCDLS, RT-PCRand other platform methods as applicable.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and automated testing equipment, including Hamilton liquid handling systems, liquid chromatography systems, plate readers, and other analytical instrumentation.
• Prepare samples, reagents, and assay materials to support high-throughput testing workflows.
• Perform data analysis and documentation in accordance with internal procedures and data integrity expectations.
• Support assay troubleshooting, root cause evaluation, and workflow improvements to improve method robustness, reproducibility, and data turnaround time.
• Track sample testing progress using various digital systems and provide timely updates to project and functional stakeholders.
• Support investigations, deviations, and technical assessments by compiling data, summarizing observations, and presenting findings clearly.
• Author, revise, and maintain documentation including Research Oporating Procedures, various data reports and summaries, as well as method execution and performance records.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on assay throughput, operational efficiency, sample flow, equipment utilization, and data quality.
• Maintain safe laboratory practices and comply with Moderna safety procedures, documentation standards, and quality expectations.
• Support general laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and coordination of supplies as needed.
• Capacity to multi-task and meet aggressive timelines.
• Demonstrate curiosity, accountability, and flexibility while working in a fast-paced, matrixed environment with evolving priorities.

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• B.S./B.A. 2+ years of experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioanalytical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline with relevant industry experience (2-5+ years for B.S.; 0-3+ years for Master’s).
• Hands-on experience executing analytical or bioanalytical assays in a quality-focused, or fast-paced research/technical operations environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality documentation, data integrity, and reproducible execution.
• Ability to independently execute experiments or testing workflows while managing multiple priorities and timelines.
• Experience analyzing, interpreting, documenting, and communicating technical data.
  Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot laboratory methods, instrumentation, or workflow-related issues.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to operate with urgency, accountability, and transparency in a dynamic environment.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• M.S./M.A. 2+ years of experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioanalytical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline with relevant industry experience
• Expertise with high-throughput analytical or automated liquid handling workflows.
• Hands on experience using Hamilton liquid handlers or other automated handling platforms.
• Familiarity with analytical platforms such as LC-MS, HPLC/UPLC, RT-PCR, sequencing-based workflows endotoxin testing.  
• Experience supporting QC, Analytical Development or high-throughput operations.
• Experience with sample management, plate-based workflows and high-volume testing execution.
• Demonstrated strength in project planning, prioritization, and stakeholder communication.
• Ability to identify workflow bottlenecks and propose practical improvements to increase efficiency, robustness, or scalability.
• Experience integrating automation or high-throughput approaches into assay workflows.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize technical data and communicate actionable recommendations.
• Comfort working in a highly collaborative, matrixed environment where priorities may shift quickly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize technical data and communicate actionable recommendations.

Pay & Benefits

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

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. 

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 

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact. 

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment. 

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.  Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!

Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 

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. 

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 [email protected]. 

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.

-