Moderna, Inc.

Senior Research Associate, Genome Sciences

Moderna, Inc.$74K — $118K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS/BA in relevant scientific field with 2+ years of experience
  • Strong experience in mammalian cell culture, especially with immune cell types
  • Expertise in qPCR or ddPCR design and development
  • Organizational and documentation skills, with strong communication abilities
  • Genuine enthusiasm for advancing mRNA medicine impact
  • Required to work on-site at Moderna's facility, no remote work options
  • Must have current US work authorization, no sponsorship available

Responsibilities

  • Culture and manipulate mammalian cell lines and primary human cells
  • Execute experiments for nucleic acid delivery and gene expression
  • Perform flow cytometry assays for assessing cell characteristics
  • Design and optimize qPCR assays for DNA and RNA quantification
  • Develop ddPCR workflows for determining vector copy number
  • Collaborate with teams to support various PCR and sequencing tasks
  • Analyze and present experimental data according to project timelines
  • Maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks and ensure best practices

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage with optional benefits
  • Resources for mental health, fitness, and overall well-being
  • Family planning support including fertility and adoption assistance
  • Generous vacation and paid time off policies
  • Investment opportunities for future financial planning
  • Location-specific perks and additional offerings
Full Job Description
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. You will help generate high-quality, decision-driving data through the design, development, and execution of in vitro experimental systems, with an emphasis on rigorous execution, goal-focused troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate brings strong immune cell culture experience combined with demonstratable expertise and experience in immediate downstream molecular- and cell-based assays.

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.
  • Additional duties as may be assigned from time to time.


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.
  • This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna's site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.
  • At Moderna, we are focused on delivering on our mission by enabling talent to thrive. For this role, we are currently unable to offer immigration sponsorship. Candidates must already hold work authorization in US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.


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.

A desire to make an impact as part

Pay & 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


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.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Moderna, Inc.

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Senior Research Associate, Genome Sciences jobs: