(Fixed Term) Scientist, Immunogenicity, Bioanalytical And Molecular Assays

Moderna; Oxford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Well-being resources

Family benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Moderna Harwell in the UK is seeking a Scientist to join the Bioanalytical and Molecular Assays team. You will design and deliver immunogenicity and bioanalytical strategies to support regulated clinical programmes, working with multidisciplinary teams.

You will develop and qualify assays (ADA, nAb, PK/PD) using ELISA, MSD and cell-based methods, helping expand Moderna's internal capabilities while adhering to GCP and regulatory expectations.

Qualifications

• PhD with 3+ years or MSc with 5+ years in bioanalytical method development and analysis.
• Strong knowledge of GCP and regulatory expectations in bioanalytics.
• Experience with ADA, nAb, PK/PD assays and related platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute phase-appropriate bioanalytical strategies for regulated programmes.
• Lead development of ADA and neutralising antibody assays alongside PK/PD assays.
• Ensure assays are developed, qualified and validated within timelines and regs.
• Develop and optimise ELISA, MSD, cell culture and immunoblotting workflows.
• Support expansion of internal bioanalytical capabilities for the growing portfolio.
• Maintain SOPs and manage critical reagents to ensure robust performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define sample journeys and study manuals.

Skills

Bioanalysis expertise

Regulatory awareness

Attention to detail

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in relevant field

MSc in relevant field

Tools

ELISA

MSD

LIMS

eLNB

Job description

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.

Moderna is strengthening its presence in Harwell, a globally recognised centre for scientific research and innovation. Our Harwell team is expanding the bioanalytical capabilities that support our growing mRNA pipeline, bringing together exceptional scientists to advance transformative medicines for patients around the world.

As a Scientist within the Bioanalytical and Molecular Assays team, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Moderna's clinical development programmes by designing and delivering innovative immunogenicity and bioanalytical strategies. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams across research, bioanalysis and clinical development, you will help generate the high-quality data that accelerates novel mRNA-derived therapeutics from discovery into the clinic while contributing to future pipeline innovation.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine scientific expertise with cutting-edge technologies in a highly collaborative environment. Alongside developing robust bioanalytical capabilities, you will have opportunities to leverage emerging digital technologies and Generative AI-enabled tools that continue to transform scientific workflows, data interpretation and decision-making across Moderna's research organisation.

Here's What You'll Do:

• Design and execute phase-appropriate bioanalytical strategies supporting regulated clinical programmes.

• Lead the development of immunogenicity assays, including anti-drug antibody (ADA) and neutralising antibody (nAb) assays, alongside pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) assays for therapeutic protein quantitation.

• Ensure bioanalytical assays are developed, qualified and validated in line with programme timelines and applicable regulatory expectations.

• Develop and optimise assays using ELISA, MSD, cell culture, immunoblotting and other relevant bioanalytical technologies.

• Help establish and expand Moderna's internal bioanalytical capabilities to support the growing mRNA portfolio.

• Procure, qualify and maintain analytical laboratory equipment while preparing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Determine, qualify and control critical assay reagents to support robust and reproducible assay performance.

• Partner closely with Preclinical, Clinical Operations and Sample Management teams to define sample journeys and develop laboratory manuals supporting regulated studies.

• Troubleshoot scientific and technical issues that arise during assay development and regulated bioanalytical activities.

• Communicate scientific concepts, experimental findings, programme objectives and data analyses effectively within a highly matrixed global environment.

• Contribute to the integration of basic science research, bioanalysis and informatics to advance programmes into clinical development while helping translate clinical findings into future opportunities across Moderna's pipeline.

Here's What You'll Bring to the Table:

• PhD with at least three years of relevant experience, or an MSc with five or more years of hands‑on experience in bioanalytical method development, validation and sample analysis. Equivalent combinations of education, technical training and relevant laboratory experience will also be considered.

• Strong knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requirements together with an understanding of current regulatory expectations and industry trends within bioanalytical science.

• Expert knowledge of bioanalytical assay platforms including electrochemiluminescence (ECL), immunoassays, cell culture-based assays and related clinical assay methodologies.

• Hands‑on experience with cell culture assays is advantageous.

• Experience working with RNA therapeutics, biologics and/or cell therapies is preferred.

• Working knowledge of translational science and the evolving competitive landscape within the mRNA field.

• Curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to learn new scientific concepts while challenging conventional thinking.

• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects within a fast‑paced research environment.

• Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and electronic laboratory notebook (eLNB) platforms is preferred.

• Knowledge of FDA, MHRA and global regulatory data standards.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain scientific concepts, programme objectives and data analyses across multidisciplinary teams.

• This is a site‑based position requiring full‑time presence at Moderna's Harwell site and is not eligible for remote working.

• As part of Moderna's commitment to workplace safety, this role may require an enhanced pre‑employment check.

The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:

• “We act with urgency; Action today compounds the lives saved tomorrow.”

• “We prioritize the platform over any single solution.

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 building benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, 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 benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.