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Senior Research Associate, Bioanalytical & Molecular Assays - Ligand Binding Assays
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Senior Research Associate, Bioanalytical & Molecular Assays - Ligand Binding Assays
Bioanalytical and Molecular Assays – Ligand Binding Assays (Individual Contributor)
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 is an opportunity to join Moderna's Bioanalytical and Molecular Assays – Ligand Binding Assays team as an individual contributor, helping to advance the development of innovative mRNA medicines. Working in a fast-paced, high-performing laboratory environment, you will:
- Develop, validate, and execute bioanalytical assays
- Generate critical pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity data supporting clinical programs
- Combine strong scientific expertise with operational excellence
- Partner across functions to ensure regulatory compliance, robust assay performance, and timely delivery of high-quality data
- Work alongside advanced laboratory technologies and AI-enabled tools
- Contribute to evolving scientific workflows and decision-making
Responsibilities
- Support the development, optimization, and validation of:
- Ligand-binding assays
- Cell-based assays
- Assays evaluating pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity endpoints for novel mRNA-derived proteins
- Perform clinical sample testing across a range of biological matrices:
- Compliance with Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GcLP) requirements
- Use of Thermo Watson LIMS
- Deliver assay development and validation on schedule to support key program milestones
- Maintain accurate experimental documentation using electronic laboratory notebooks
- Support generation, characterization, establishment, and control of critical reagents
- Contribute to laboratory operations:
- Ensure an efficient and compliant working environment
- Prepare:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Technical reports
- Scientific data presentations
- Review raw experimental data, analytical study reports, and assay validation reports:
- Ensure compliance with:
- Current regulatory requirements
- Industry standards
- Moderna’s quality expectations
- Ensure compliance with:
- Confirm data meets both scientific and regulatory expectations
- Support procurement, qualification, and implementation of analytical equipment
- Partner closely with Clinical Operations and Sample Management:
- Define the end-to-end clinical sample journey
- Develop fit-for-purpose laboratory manuals:
- Support successful clinical sample management and testing
- Contribute to a collaborative, high-performance team:
- Focused on developing de novo bioanalytical assays for novel mRNA-derived proteins
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Key Moderna Mindsets Required for Success
- "We obsess over learning." We prioritise rapid acquisition of new knowledge over having all the answers.
- "We behave like owners." The solutions we build transcend the current job description, driving impact beyond the role’s stated responsibilities.
Basic Qualifications
Education and Experience
- A BA/BS in a biological science field and a minimum of 5 years of industry Biotech/pharmaceutical/Contract Research Organization (CRO) experience, or:
- An MS with 3+ years of relevant experience
- Experience with Ligand Binding Assay and/or Cell-Based Assays is required
- Preference for candidates with experience in:
- Pharmacokinetics (PK)
- Anti-drug Antibodies (ADA)
- Neutralising Antibody (nAb) assays
- Regulated environment experience preferred:
- GLP (Good Laboratory Practice)
- GcLP (Good Clinical Laboratory Practice)
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
Soft Skills
- Keen attention to detail
- Ability to multi-task effectively
- Strong communication skills
- Desire to collaborate with the team
Knowledge and Tools
- GcLP knowledge with an understanding of current industry trends and regulatory expectations for analytical science
- Experience with Thermo Watson LIMS and LabVantage eLBN would be advantageous
Mindset
- Desire to make an impact in a high-growth, transformational company
- Comfort with a Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative culture.
Pay & Benefits
At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can achieve your best work. We provide benefits and well-being resources designed to support you in all areas of life.
Offered Benefits:
- Competitive healthcare, plus voluntary benefit programs tailored to personal needs
- Holistic well-being support:
- Fitness
- Mindfulness and mental health resources
- Family building benefits:
- Fertility
- Adoption
- Surrogacy support
- Generous paid time off:
- Vacation
- Bank holidays
- Volunteer days
- Sabbaticals
- Global recharge days
- Discretionary year-end shutdown
- Savings and investment opportunities
- Location-specific perks and extras
Note: Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the location.
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About Moderna
Since 2010, Moderna has dedicated itself to building the leading mRNA technology platform and an organization geared towards reimagining therapeutic development. We aspire to change medicine and the world by fostering a culture that:
- Empowers our scientific progress
- Values safety, innovation, and inclusivity
- Develops a culture of belonging
- Collaborates to transform patient care, employee empowerment, environmental stewardship, and community impact.
Recognised Excellence:
- Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer
- Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators
- Great Place to Work (U.S.)
Work Culture:
Moderna champions a 70/30 work model, which balances 70% in-office collaboration with flexibility to ensure innovation, teamwork, and mentorship thrive. Join us as we shape the future of medicine, where every interaction fosters learning, contribution, and meaningful impact.
Apply Today
If you want to make a real difference and become part of a transformative team reforming medical innovation, we encourage you to visit modernatx.com/careers to explore our opportunities.
Environment:
Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free workplace.
Equal Opportunity Commitment: Moderna is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in employment and hiring. This policy encompasses all employment actions, including hiring, training, compensation, benefits, expanded workforce opportunities, and appointment, retention, and promotion. Applicants screened for this role will be assessed regardless of:
- 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 family status
- Any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law.
Moderna also advocates for diversity of thought and experience, cultivate a workplace that values different backgrounds and ideas, and fosters environments where every member can contribute their best work.
Accommodations: Moderna is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodation or adjustments to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance in the hiring or application process, please contact the Accommodations and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.
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