Principal Scientist, Bioanalytical & Molecular Assays

Biopharma Careers; Oxford; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Best‑in‑class healthcare

Well‑being programs

Family building benefits

Generous paid time off

Savings and investments

Location‑specific perks

Job summary

Moderna seeks a senior scientist to lead molecular assay development across RT‑qPCR, dPCR and NGS platforms, translating clinical endpoints into robust, scalable assays. You will manage end‑to‑end workflows, validate methods, and ensure data integrity while coordinating with cross‑functional teams across discovery to clinical development.

Based at the Harwell site, you will mentor colleagues, engage with regulatory expectations, and explore AI‑enabled data approaches to accelerate discovery and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genomics or related field with 9+ years biotech/pharma experience or MS with 12+ years directly relevant experience.
• Experience developing and validating clinical qPCR, dPCR, and NGS assays across end‑to‑end workflows.
• Familiarity with GxP/ MHRA/ICH expectations and inspection readiness.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands‑on scientific leadership for design, development, and delivery of molecular assays supporting clinical endpoints.
• Lead RT‑qPCR, dPCR, and NGS‑based assay development across multiple applications.
• Own end‑to‑end assay lifecycle activities from method development to tech transfer.
• Author validation plans, reports, and protocols per GCLP and industry best practices.
• Ensure assays are robust, reproducible, scalable and aligned with program goals.
• Oversee clinical sample testing with quality control and data integrity.

Skills

qPCR/dPCR/NGS

GCLP/GLP knowledge

LIMS/ELN data integration

Bioinformatics pipelines

Nucleic acid extraction

Statistical data handling

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/Genomics

MS in Molecular Biology/Genomics with 12+ years

Tools

Bioanalyzer

Tapestation

LIMS

ELN

NGS platforms

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.

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 Phase1 through Phase3.
• 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

• 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

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 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].