Scientist, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory, Immuno-assays (cell based)

Moderna, Inc.; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in Harwell, UK is seeking a Scientist for its Immuno-assays group. This hands-on position involves leading assay development and ensuring high-quality data for clinical programs. Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. or relevant experience in immunology, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work collaboratively. The role includes opportunities for professional growth and contributions to innovative projects in laboratory informatics.

Benefits

Quality healthcare and insurance benefits

Lifestyle Spending Accounts

Free access to fitness and nutrition classes

Generous paid time off

Location-specific perks

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in immunology conducting assay validation.
• Experience with clinical Immunology under GLP/GCLP environment.
• Experience working in a regulated environment GLP, GCP, ISO standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead assay development and validation activities.
• Conduct clinical sample analyses under GCP/GLP.
• Train and coach junior laboratory staff.

Skills

Deep technical expertise in immunology

Strong leadership skills

Curiosity in exploring new technology

Computational skills (Word, Excel, GraphPad Prism)

Education

Ph.D. or BSc/MSc with relevant experience

Tools

Laboratory pathogens handling

Data analysis software

Job description

Overview

The Role: Moderna seeks a Scientist to join the Immuno-assays group in Harwell, UK. This hands-on role will serve as a scientific point of contact for cell-based immunoassay development, qualification/validation, and clinical sample testing across multiple therapeutic areas. The successful candidate will bring deep technical expertise in immunology and infectious disease assays, and will support Moderna's mRNA clinical programs through delivery of high-quality, regulatory-compliant data. The position involves leading assay development and validation activities, conducting clinical sample analyses under GCP/GLP, and coaching junior staff. There is access to cutting-edge technologies and opportunities to work near the forefront of Generative AI applications in laboratory informatics and analytics. As a critical member of the Immuno-assay UK team, you will drive scientific excellence, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to advance Moderna's global pipeline.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary analyst for assigned projects, including assay development, qualification/validation, and clinical sample testing under GCP/GLP conditions.
• Ensure high-quality, regulatory-compliant data is generated to support global clinical trials.
• Author technical reports, maintain meticulous training and quality records, and communicate findings at project team meetings.
• Represent the Immunoassay Team as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and contribute to strategic planning.
• Evaluate and adopt novel technologies to address complex scientific challenges.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on assay innovations and operational improvements.
• Train and coach junior laboratory staff, supporting performance reviews and skill development.
• Ensure lab compliance with safety protocols and quality systems (GLP, GCP, ISO).
• Participate in technical conferences and professional development travel, as required.
• Flexibly accommodate occasional weekend or overtime work to meet critical program needs.

Moderna Mindsets

• We obsess over learning. We don 0t have to be the smartest we have to learn the fastest.
• This role demands constant learning—whether adapting to the latest immunological techniques, incorporating regulatory guidance, or understanding complex clinical trial designs. Your ability to learn rapidly and share knowledge will accelerate team performance and assay reliability.
• We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.
• With opportunities to work closely with modern digital systems and explore the intersection of laboratory science and AI-enabled analytics, your computational skills and digital mindset will be crucial in driving Moderna's data-centric development model.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. > 2 yrs or BSC/MSc with >6 years' experience in immunology, or related field conducting assay validation in clinical Immunology under GLP/GCLP environment.
• A background in infectious diseases, virology, bacteriology or oncology and experience with handling laboratory pathogens as containment level 3 is an advantage.
• Experience and deep understanding of cell culture and cell-based assays, particularly bacteriology assays.
• Strong level of understanding and expertise in design and executing efficacy testing in the context of clinical trial.
• The ability to work in a cross-functional work environment is critical; strong leadership skills and independence skills are expected.
• Excellent written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills; ability to influence and collaborate in a team environment and with external stakeholders.
• Curiosity in exploring new technology, bold in proposing creative experimental designs and ideas. Will work collaboratively with multifunctional teams and will be relentless in pursuing successful outcomes.
• Possess strong computational skills, preferably experienced with Word, Excel, Power Point, GraphPad Prism.
• Knowledge of system software for data analysis and statistical analysis.
• Experience of working in a regulated environment GLP, GCP, ISO standards is required.
• As part of Moderna\'s commitment to workplace safety, this role may require an enhanced pre-employment check.

Benefits

• Quality healthcare and insurance benefits
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to create your own pathway to well-being
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investments
• 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, the infrastructure 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 people are 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.

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.

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, please apply!

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].