Senior Research Associate, Bioanalytical & Molecular Assays - Ligand Binding Assays

Moderna Therapeutics; Harwell; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Well-being programs

Family building benefits

Generous paid time off

Global recharge days

Discretionary year-end shutdown

Job summary

Moderna Therapeutics in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced scientist to contribute to the Bioanalytical and Molecular Assays – Ligand Binding Assays team. You will develop, validate, and execute bioanalytical assays generating pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity data to support clinical programs.

The role requires strong scientific expertise, collaboration across functions, and delivering high-quality data in a fast-paced laboratory setting, with opportunities to use advanced lab

Qualifications

• BA/BS in biological science field and a minimum of 5 years of industry Biotech/pharmaceutical/CRO experience.
• MS with 3+ years of experience
• Experience with Ligand Binding and/or Cell Based Assays is required
• Candidates with experience doing PK, ADA, or nAb assays are preferred
• Candidates with experience working in a regulated environment (GLP, GcLP, GMP) are preferred
• Keen attention to detail and collaborative mindset with strong communication skills

Responsibilities

• Support development, optimization, and validation of ligand-binding and cell-based assays.
• Perform clinical sample testing across multiple biological matrices per GcLP requirements using Thermo Watson LIMS.
• Deliver assay development and validation activities on schedule for key program milestones.
• Maintain accurate experimental documentation using electronic lab notebooks.
• Review data and reports to ensure regulatory and Moderna quality expectations are met.
• Prepare SOPs, technical reports, and scientific data presentations.

Skills

Ligand Binding Assays

Cell-Based Assays

Regulatory Compliance

GLP/GMP Experience

Education

BA/BS in Biological Science

MS in Biological Sciences

Tools

Watson LIMS

LabVantage eLBN

Lab Informatics

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 is an opportunity to join Moderna's Bioanalytical and Molecular Assays - Ligand Binding Assays team as an individual contributor, helping to advance the development of innovative mRNA medicines. Working in a fast-paced, high-performing laboratory environment, you will develop, validate, and execute bioanalytical assays that generate critical pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity data supporting clinical programs. You'll combine strong scientific expertise with operational excellence, partnering across functions to ensure robust assay performance, regulatory compliance, and timely delivery of high-quality data. As Moderna continues to embrace digital innovation, you'll also have opportunities to work alongside advanced laboratory technologies and evolving AI-enabled tools that enhance scientific workflows and decision-making.

Here's What You'll Do:

• Support the development, optimization, and validation of ligand-binding and cell-based assays to evaluate pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity endpoints for novel mRNA-derived proteins.
• Perform clinical sample testing across a range of biological matrices in compliance with Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GcLP) requirements using Thermo Watson LIMS.
• Deliver assay development and validation activities on schedule to support key program milestones.
• Maintain accurate experimental documentation using electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Support the generation, characterization, establishment, and control of critical reagents.
• Contribute to laboratory operations to ensure an efficient and compliant working environment.
• Prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical reports, and scientific data presentations.
• Review raw experimental data, analytical study reports, and assay validation reports to ensure laboratory activities comply with current regulatory requirements, industry standards, and Moderna quality expectations.
• Confirm that generated data meet both scientific and regulatory expectations.
• Support the procurement, qualification, and implementation of analytical equipment.
• Partner closely with Clinical Operations and Sample Management to define the end-to-end clinical sample journey.
• Develop fit-for-purpose laboratory manuals that support successful clinical sample management and testing.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performance team focused on developing de novo bioanalytical assays for novel mRNA-derived proteins.

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 behave like owners. The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description.

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

• A BA/BS in biological science field and a minimum of 5 years of industry Biotech/pharmaceutical/CRO experience.
• MS with 3+ years of experience
• Experience with Ligand Binding and/or Cell Based Assays is required
• Candidates with experience doing PK, ADA, or nAb assays are preferred
• Candidates with experience working in a regulated environment (GLP, GcLP, GMP) are preferred.
• Keen attention to detail, ability to multi-task, effective communication skills and a strong desire to collaborate with the team are required
• 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.
• Experience on Watson LIMS and LabVnatage eLBN would be an advantage.
• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Pay & Benefits

• 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

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 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. 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.

Our Mission and Vision

At Moderna we are pioneering the development of a new class of drugs made of messenger RNA (mRNA). This novel drug platform builds on the discovery that modified mRNA can direct the body’s cellular machinery to produce nearly any protein of interest, from native proteins to antibodies and other entirely novel protein constructs that can have therapeutic activity inside and outside of cells. We have a clear mission to propel the field of mRNA science forward and deliver new medicines to patients and a unique vision for how to achieve this mission. Our Mission: To deliver on the promise of transformative messenger RNA (mRNA) science to bring new medicines to patients. Our Vision: To unlock the potential of mRNA by establishing an ecosystem of teams and partners that will work together to develop the broadest possible array of drugs, across diverse therapeutic areas and routes of administration, for serious diseases that are not treatable today.

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. 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].

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities.

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