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

Biopharma Careers; Oxford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Well-being resources

Family benefits

Sabbatical

Job summary

Moderna in Harwell is seeking a Scientist in Bioanalytical and Molecular Assays to design and execute phase-appropriate strategies supporting regulated clinical programmes. You will lead immunogenicity and bioanalytical assays, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver robust data for the mRNA pipeline.

This site-based role requires full-time presence at Harwell, with opportunities to adopt new digital tools and AI-enabled workflows to enhance data interpretation, while contributing to

Qualifications

• PhD with at least three years of relevant bioanalytical experience, or MSc with five years of hands-on work.
• Strong knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requirements and regulatory expectations in bioanalytical science.
• Expert knowledge of bioanalytical assay platforms including electrochemiluminescence (ECL), immunoassays, cell culture-based assays.
• Experience with LIMS and electronic laboratory notebook (eLNB/ELN) platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute phase-appropriate bioanalytical strategies supporting regulated clinical programmes.
• Lead development of immunogenicity assays, including anti-drug antibody (ADA) and neutralising antibody (nAb) assays, alongside PK/PD assays for therapeutic protein quantitation.
• Ensure assays are developed, qualified and validated in line with programme timelines and regulatory expectations.
• Develop and optimise assays using ELISA, MSD, cell culture, immunoblotting and other relevant 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 SOPs.
• Determine, qualify and control critical assay reagents to support robust and reproducible assay performance.
• Collaborate with Preclinical, Clinical Operations and Sample Management teams to define sample journeys and develop laboratory manuals.
• Troubleshoot scientific and technical issues that arise during assay development and regulated bioanalytical activities.
• Communicate scientific concepts, programme objectives and data analyses effectively within a global matrixed environment.
• Contribute to integrating basic science research, bioanalysis and informatics to advance programmes into clinical development.

Skills

GCP knowledge

Communication skills

Project management

Adaptability

RNA therapeutics

Education

PhD +3 years bioanalysis

MSc +5 years bioanalysis

Tools

LIMS

ELN

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
• Savingsandinvestments 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.

About Moderna

Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, theinfrastructure 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 peopleare 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.

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.

Moderna is a place where everyone can grow.

Moderna is committed to equal opportunity in employment 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. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

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 accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment 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 and Adjustments team at [e-mail] .