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Principal Scientist, Bioanalytical & Molecular Assays
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Senior Molecular Assays Scientist – Harwell Site
About the Role
Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients.
This role is based at Moderna’s Harwell site and offers the opportunity to shape the future of molecular and genomic biomarker strategies across a diverse clinical portfolio. Working at the intersection of molecular biology, bioanalysis, genomics, informatics, and clinical development, you will play a critical role in advancing programs from discovery through clinical development while helping translate clinical insights into future pipeline opportunities.
As a senior individual contributor within the Molecular Assays team, you will provide scientific and technical leadership for the development, validation, and deployment of advanced molecular assays that generate high-quality clinical data to support decision-making across multiple therapeutic programs. You will operate with significant independence, partnering across functions to deliver innovative assay solutions while leveraging emerging digital and data-driven approaches, including opportunities to engage with advanced analytics and Generative AI-enabled tools that accelerate scientific discovery and operational excellence.
Here’s What You’ll Do
- Provide hands-on scientific leadership and laboratory support for the design, development, optimization, and delivery of fit-for-purpose molecular assays supporting clinical endpoints.
- Lead the development and implementation of RT-qPCR, dPCR, and NGS-based assays across a broad range of applications, including:
- Gene expression analysis
- Viral load analysis
- mRNA pharmacokinetics
- Bulk RNA sequencing
- Targeted RNA sequencing
- Single-cell RNA sequencing
- TCR/BCR repertoire profiling
- Targeted DNA panels
- Pathogen or viral sequencing
- Own end-to-end assay lifecycle activities, including:
- Method development
- Qualification and validation
- Technology transfer to internal laboratories and external CRO partners
- Author and review validation plans, reports, protocols, acceptance criteria, and supporting technical documentation in accordance with GCLP requirements and industry best practices.
- Ensure assays are scientifically robust, reproducible, scalable, and aligned with clinical program objectives and regulatory expectations.
- Oversee phase-appropriate clinical sample testing activities, ensuring rigorous quality control, quality assurance, data integrity, and operational excellence throughout assay execution.
- Lead:
- Deviation investigations
- CAPA activities
- Inspection readiness efforts to support compliance and audit preparedness
- Serve as a scientific subject matter expert for molecular assay strategies across multiple clinical development programs spanning Phase 1 through Phase 3.
- Work independently while providing matrix leadership across multidisciplinary teams of molecular biologists, NGS scientists, and bioinformaticians.
- Mentor colleagues and contribute to the continued development of scientific capabilities across the organization.
- Partner closely with Clinical Development, Biomarkers and Translational Medicine, Bioanalytics, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Data & IT teams to ensure alignment between assay strategies and broader program goals.
- Integrate basic science research, bioanalytical approaches, genomics, and informatics to support clinical development decisions and generate actionable biological insights.
- Reverse-engineer clinical findings to identify novel scientific opportunities that inform and strengthen Moderna’s future pipeline.
- Communicate:
- Scientific strategies and project plans to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Risks, challenges, and study outcomes effectively
- Influence cross-functional decision-making by translating complex molecular and genomic data into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Contribute to the adoption of innovative technologies, advanced computational approaches, and AI-enabled solutions that enhance:
- Assay development
- Data interpretation
- Translational research capabilities
- Thrive within a fast-moving, highly collaborative environment where scientific rigor, innovation, and patient impact remain central to every decision.
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The Key Moderna Mindsets You’ll Need to Succeed
- We obsess over learning. We don’t have to be the smartest; we have to learn the fastest.
- We act with dynamic range, driving strategy and execution at every step.
Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
Education
- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genomics, or a related field, with 9+ years of biotech/pharma experience (or M.S. with 12+ years of directly relevant experience).
Technical Expertise
- Deep, hands-on experience developing and validating:
- Clinical qPCR, dPCR, NGS assays
- End-to-end workflows from method development, validation, sample testing, and reporting
- Strong knowledge of GCLP/GLP guidelines preferred, including phase-appropriate validation requirements for clinical trial biomarkers/endpoints; familiarity with GxP, MHRA, GCLP, ICH expectations and inspection readiness.
- Proficiency with:
- Library prep (amplicon, hybrid capture, poly(A)/RNA workflows)
- Nucleic acid extraction from diverse matrices
- Orthogonal QC (Bioanalyzer/Tapestation, qPCR/dPCR)
- Demonstrated track record of building and validating bioinformatics pipelines.
- Experience integrating genomics data and instrumentation with:
- LIMS/ELN
- Data governance
- Secure handling of clinical data strongly desired.
Pay & Benefits
At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. Our global benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
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- Best-in-class healthcare, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Voluntary benefit programs tailored to unique personal needs
- Holistic well-being approach, offering access to:
- Fitness programs
- Mindfulness and mental health support
- Family-building benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
- Generous paid time off, including:
- Vacation and bank holidays
- Volunteer days
- Sabbatical leave
- Global recharge days
- A discretionary year-end shutdown
- Savings and investment tools to help you plan for the future
- Location-specific perks and extras
Note: Benefits may vary depending on employment nature with Moderna and the country of work.
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
- An opportunity to change the world
By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people drive scientific progress and foster a culture of belonging.
We are proud to have achieved:
- Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer recognition
- Awarded as a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators
- Ranked as a Great Place to Work in the U.S.
We champion the 70/30 work model, designed to foster an innovative, collaborative culture with 70% in-office presence to maximize:
- Teamwork
- Mentorship
- Direct collaboration
Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.
Note on Work Environment
Moderna is a:
- Smoke-free
- Alcohol-free
- Drug-free work environment
Want to make a difference and join a team changing the future of medicine? Visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more.
Compliance Policy
Moderna is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to:
- Race
- Color
- Sex
- Gender identity or expression
- Age
- Religion
- National origin or ancestry
- Ethnicity
- Disability
- Military or protected veteran status
- Genetic information
- Sexual orientation
- Marital or familial status
- Any other characteristic protected under applicable law
Accommodation Policy: Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. To request accommodation during the hiring process, contact: Email: leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com
Note: Qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of their criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Moderna fosters a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, valuing unique experiences, backgrounds, and ideas to cultivate excellence.
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