Scientist, Genetic Assays

Moderna Therapeutics; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Moderna Therapeutics, based at our Harwell site in Oxfordshire, is seeking a senior scientist to advance pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses with a focus on genetic, biochemical and molecular biology assays.

You will work across DNA/RNA isolation, qPCR, ddPCR, RNA sequencing, MSD, ELISA and immunoblotting, establishing internal and partner bioanalytical capabilities while aligning with GLP and GxP expectations.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in genetic assays with strong background in bioanalytical science.
• 5+ years of biotech/pharma industry experience (Ph.D. route) or 7+ years with B.S./M.S.
• Expert knowledge of RT-PCR, ddPCR, RNA sequencing and related methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute phase-appropriate biochemical and molecular assays for PK/PD analyses.
• Qualification/validation of assays per GcLP/GLP for clinical use.
• Collaborate with CROs and internal teams to ensure data quality and regulatory compliance.
• Develop internal mRNA-based bioanalytical capabilities and support portfolio.
• Procure and qualify analytical equipment; maintain SOPs and reagents.
• Stay current with GLP/GCP guidelines and applicable regulations.

Skills

Genetic assays

Molecular biology

qPCR/RTPCR

Data analysis

Regulatory awareness

Education

Ph.D. in genetics/related field

B.S./M.S. with 7+ years experience in bioanalysis

Tools

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. Join Moderna’s Clinical Bioanalytical team at our Harwell, Oxfordshire site and help connect basic science research, bioanalysis, genomics and informatics to advance programs into the clinic and translate clinical findings into new opportunities across Moderna’s pipeline. As a sole-contributor scientist, you will bring deep expertise in genetic, biochemical and molecular biology assays to develop and execute phase-appropriate approaches supporting pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis. You will work across technologies including genomic DNA and RNA isolation, qPCR, ddPCR, RNA sequencing, MSD, ELISA and immunoblotting, while establishing robust mRNA-based bioanalytical capabilities internally and with external partners. This is an opportunity to operate at the intersection of translational science, clinical bioanalysis and emerging technology. Alongside hands-on scientific and regulatory responsibilities, you will have opportunities to get close to Generative AI and digital tools that can support scientific workflows, knowledge synthesis and data-driven ways of working across Moderna. **Here's What You'll Do:*** Design and effectively execute phase-appropriate biochemical and molecular biology assays to enable PK/PD analysis, including genomic DNA and RNA isolation, qPCR, ddPCR, RNA sequencing, MSD, ELISA, immunoblotting and other relevant technologies.* Develop assays in a timely manner aligned with program timelines, ensuring assay qualification or validation is fit for purpose within GcLP compliance for clinical use.* Troubleshoot scientific and technical issues arising internally and through external CRO partners, applying rigorous molecular and bioanalytical expertise to maintain assay performance and data quality.* Evaluate and review raw data, study analytical reports and assay validation reports, as appropriate, ensuring laboratories perform analyses in compliance with current regulatory, industry and Moderna standards and that resulting data meet required regulatory and scientific quality expectations.* Establish internal and external mRNA-based bioanalytical capability and facilitate method development to support Moderna’s portfolio.* Support analytical equipment procurement and qualification, preparation and maintenance of SOPs, and the determination and control of critical reagents.* Stay current with scientific literature, government guidelines and internal guidance relating to clinical trial conduct, including Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), internal SOPs, applicable regulations and White Papers for clinical bioanalysis, ensuring practices remain consistent with regulatory expectations.* Collaborate with Clinical Operations and Sample Management to define the sample journey and develop appropriate laboratory manuals.* Apply expert knowledge of RT-PCR, ddPCR, RNA sequencing and other methodologies used for preclinical and clinical assays.* Bring working knowledge of the translational literature and competitive landscape in the ASO field, connecting external scientific developments with Moderna’s bioanalytical work.* Communicate complex scientific concepts, program objectives and data analyses effectively within a matrix environment.* Apply knowledge of GcLP requirements alongside an understanding of current industry trends and regulatory expectations associated with analytical science.* Leverage experience with RNA, biologics and cell therapy where applicable to strengthen assay strategies and bioanalytical approaches.* Utilize Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS), electronic laboratory notebooks (eLNB) and laboratory automation where relevant; experience in these areas would be an advantage.* Explore opportunities to work alongside digital and Generative AI-enabled tools as Moderna continues to evolve how scientific information, workflows and insights can be used to accelerate impact. **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 Bring to the Table:*** A Ph.D. in genetic assays from the following areas: infectious disease, Immuno-oncology, Immunology, Cancer Biology, or related fields and a minimum of 5 years of industry biotech/pharmaceutical experience. B.S./M.S. with a minimum of 7 years of bioanalytical and GcLP/GLP experience are considered* Experience with RNA, biologics and cell therapy preferred* Expert knowledge of **RT-PCR**, **ddPCR, RNA sequencing** and other methodologies for preclinical and clinical assays.* Working knowledge of the translational literature and competitive landscape in the ASO field.* Ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts, program objectives, data analysis within a matrix environment.* Knowledge of GcLP requirements and understanding of current industry trends and regulatory expectations associated with analytical science.* Experience on Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS) and electronic lab note books (eLNB) would be a plus* Experience on automation would be a plus.**Our Working Model**As we build our company, we have always believed that an in-person culture is critical to our success. This role is 100% onsite, reflecting the importance of being physically present to support the work, collaborate closely with colleagues, and contribute to our site-based operations. Working onsite enables real-time collaboration, strong team connections, direct mentorship, and the hands-on partnership needed to deliver our mission. 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.