Principal Scientist, Bioanalytical & Molecular Assays

BioSpace; Oxford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Moderna is seeking a senior scientist to lead the development and validation of molecular assays supporting clinical endpoints at our Harwell site in the UK. You will oversee end-to-end assay lifecycle, partner with cross-functional teams, and drive high-quality data generation across a broad genomic portfolio.

You will work at the intersection of molecular biology, bioanalysis, and informatics, leveraging AI-enabled tools to accelerate discovery and clinical decision-making while mentoring

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Genomics, or related field with 9+ years biotech/pharma experience (or MS with 12+ years)
• Deep hands-on experience developing and validating clinical qPCR, dPCR, NGS assays
• Knowledge of GCLP/GLP and phase-appropriate validation for clinical biomarker endpoints
• Experience integrating genomics data with LIMS/ELN and secure handling of clinical data

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on scientific leadership and laboratory support for design, development, optimization, and delivery of molecular assays
• Lead RT-qPCR, dPCR, and NGS-based assays across a broad range of applications
• Own end-to-end assay lifecycle activities from method development to transfer
• Author validation plans, reports, protocols, and documentation per GCLP
• Ensure assays are robust, scalable, and aligned with program objectives
• Oversee clinical sample testing with QC, data integrity and operational excellence
• Mentor colleagues and collaborate across Clinical Development, Bioanalytics, Regulatory Affairs, and IT teams

Skills

qPCR/dPCR/NGS assays

Bioinformatics pipelines

Genomics data integration

LIMS/ELN integration

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology/Genomics or related field

Tools

Library prep

qPCR

NGS workflows

Bioinformatics tooling

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.

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, viral load analysis, mRNA pharmacokinetics, bulk RNA sequencing, targeted RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, TCR/BCR repertoire profiling, targeted DNA panels, and pathogen or viral sequencing.
• Own end-to-end assay lifecycle activities, including method development, qualification, validation, and 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, and 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 and 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 can inform and strengthen Moderna’s future pipeline.
• Effectively communicate scientific strategies, project plans, risks, challenges, and study outcomes to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• 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, and translational research capabilities.
• Thrive within a fast-moving, highly collaborative environment where scientific rigor, innovation, and patient impact remain central to every decision.

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

• 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 the same time at every step.

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)

Education

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genomics, or 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 and managing end‑to‑end workflows from method development, validation, sample testing and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of GCLP/GLP guidelines preferred and requirements for phase‑appropriate validation for clinical trial biomarker/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, and orthogonal QC (Bioanalyzer/Tapestation, qPCR/dPCR).
• Demonstrated track record building and validating bioinformatics pipelines
• Experience integrating genomics data and instrumentation with LIMS/ELN, data governance, and 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. That’s why our global benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class 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. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day.

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].