Senior Research Associate, Bioanalytical & Molecular Assays

Moderna Therapeutics; Harwell; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Well-being programs

Family building support

Generous paid time off

Savings and investments

Job summary

Moderna Therapeutics in the United Kingdom is seeking a highly skilled bioanalytical scientist to join the Clinical Bioanalytical team. This role bridges basic science research, bioanalysis, and clinical development, driving phase-appropriate assay development and validation within a GCLP-compliant framework to support clinical programs.

You will perform molecular biology assays (gel electrophoresis, ddPCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR), isolate DNA/RNA, and ensure data integrity while collaborating with

Qualifications

• M.S. with 5+ years or B.S. with 8+ years in Molecular Biology or related field.
• Hands-on with molecular biology and nucleic acid tech incl. gel/capillary electrophoresis, qPCR; NGS a plus.
• Knowledge of GCLP/GLP and regulatory expectations for analytical science.

Responsibilities

• Perform bioanalytical assays across molecular biology techniques to quantify RNA in biological matrices.
• Support phase-appropriate assay development, qualification, and validation for PK/PD analyses.
• Coordinate with internal/external labs to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare SOPs and maintain electronic notebooks; manage reagents and equipment lifecycle.

Skills

Molecular biology

Bioanalysis

Data interpretation

Education

M.S. in Molecular Biology

B.S. in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Gel electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis

qPCR

ddPCR

RT-qPCR

NGS

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. As Moderna expands its scientific capabilities in the UK, we are seeking a highly skilled bioanalytical scientist to join our Clinical Bioanalytical team. This role sits at the intersection of basic science research, bioanalysis, and clinical development, helping advance innovative mRNA programs through phase-appropriate assay development, qualification, and validation activities. Working in a highly collaborative environment, you will play a critical role in ensuring robust bioanalytical methodologies are developed and transferred into a GCLP-compliant framework to support clinical programs. This is an opportunity to contribute directly to the generation of high-quality pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data while working with advanced molecular biology technologies and emerging digital capabilities that are transforming drug development.

Here’s What You’ll Do

Perform bioanalytical assays utilizing a range of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including gel electrophoresis, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), RT-qPCR, and related technologies for the quantitation of RNA in biological matrices. Support the integration of basic science research and bioanalytical activities to advance development programs into a GCLP-compliant clinical environment. Execute phase-appropriate assay development, qualification, and validation activities supporting pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) analyses. Conduct genomic DNA and RNA isolation and apply molecular biology methodologies to generate high-quality analytical data. Ensure assays are developed, optimized, qualified, and validated within required timelines to support program milestones and clinical study needs. Establish fit-for-purpose bioanalytical methods that meet scientific, regulatory, and GCLP compliance requirements for clinical use. Evaluate and review raw analytical data, assay validation reports, and study reports to ensure data integrity, scientific rigor, and compliance with current regulatory, industry, and Moderna standards. Partner with internal and external laboratories to ensure analytical activities are performed according to established quality expectations and regulatory requirements. Support analytical equipment procurement, qualification, maintenance, and lifecycle management activities. Prepare, maintain, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and supporting documentation. Identify, characterize, qualify, and maintain critical reagents required for bioanalytical assay execution and long-term program support. Collaborate closely with Clinical Operations, Sample Management, and cross-functional development teams to define sample journeys and develop laboratory manuals that support clinical trial execution. Maintain detailed and accurate electronic laboratory notebooks and ensure appropriate documentation practices are consistently followed. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory efficiency, data quality, compliance, and operational excellence. Leverage evolving digital tools, automation technologies, and opportunities to engage with Generative AI-enabled scientific workflows to improve analytical processes and data interpretation. Operate effectively within a dynamic, fast-paced environment while demonstrating flexibility, scientific curiosity, and a commitment to team success.

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)

A M.S with a minimum of 5+ years or B.S with 8+ years in Molecular Biology or relevant scientific discipline of bioanalytical and GCLP/GLP experience in performing clinical molecular assays. Hands-on experience with molecular biology and nucleic acid characterization techniques including gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, and qPCR is highly desired and experience with NGS and genomics is a plus. Ability to effectively communicate program objectives, data analysis and present findings to group team members and key stakeholders. Knowledge of GCLP requirements and understanding of current industry trends and regulatory expectations associated with analytical science. A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Pay & Benefits

The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.

• 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
• Savings and investments 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, 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.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment. Moderna is a place where everyone can grow.

Third Party Staffing Agencies

Moderna does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates. For the protection of all parties involved in the recruiting process, resumes will only be accepted from recruiters/agencies if a signed agreement is in place at the inception of the recruiting effort and authorized for a specified position. Unsolicited resumes sent to Moderna from recruiters/agencies do not constitute any type of relationship between the recruiter/agency and Moderna and do not obligate Moderna to pay fees if we hire from those resumes.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

Moderna will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. Please inform the company's personnel representative by calling 617-460-9346 or emailing [e-mail] if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

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].

Equal Opportunity

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.