Research Associate, Analytical Development

Moderna Therapeutics; Norwood, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive healthcare

Well-being programs

Family planning benefits

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Moderna Therapeutics seeks a Research Associate at our Norwood, MA site to contribute to the development, refinement, and implementation of cell-based bioassays supporting release and stability testing for mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. You will partner with Quality, Process Development, and Research teams to generate rigorous data for clinical and commercial programs.

The role emphasizes hands-on cell culture, assay development, data analysis, and collaboration.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biological Engineering, or related field.
• 0–3+ years of relevant experience with mammalian cell culture and bioassays.
• Ability to learn new techniques, troubleshoot, and follow protocols accurately.

Responsibilities

• Execute cell-based bioassays to evaluate potency and biological activity of mRNA-based medicines
• Support assay development, optimization, troubleshooting, and qualification activities under guidance
• Perform routine cell culture and maintain cell lines
• Analyze and document experimental data with accuracy and attention to detail
• Assist in identifying sources of assay variability and support robustness efforts
• Follow established SOPs and regulatory expectations
• Contribute to authoring technical documents such as protocols and reports
• Collaborate with team members and cross-functional partners to support project timelines

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Transient transfections

Bioassays

Data analysis

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

BS degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biological Engineering, or related field

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Job description

The Role: Moderna is seeking a Research Associate for a position based at the Norwood, MA site. This individual will contribute to the development, refinement, and implementation of cell-based bioassays supporting release and stability testing for mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment. The role requires close partnership with multidisciplinary teams (Quality, Process Development, and Research) to generate scientifically rigorous data for both clinical and commercial programs.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Execute cell-based bioassays to evaluate potency and biological activity of mRNA-based medicines
• Support assay development, optimization, troubleshooting, and qualification activities under guidance
• Perform routine cell culture and maintain cell lines
• Analyze and document experimental data with accuracy and attention to detail
• Assist in identifying sources of assay variability and supporting efforts to enhance assay robustness
• Follow established protocols, SOPs, and regulatory expectations
• Contribute to authoring technical documents such as protocols and reports
• Collaborate with team members and cross‑functional partners to support project timelines

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• BS degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biological Engineering, or related field with 0–3+ years of relevant experience
• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture, transient transfections, bioassays or related biological techniques
• Demonstrated scientific curiosity and ability to learn new experimental techniques, troubleshoot challenges and adapt in a fast‑paced research environment
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols accurately
• Basic data analysis and problem‑solving skills
• Experience maintaining laboratory notebooks and documenting experimental work in a clear and organized manner
• Strong communicator with a team‑oriented mindset
• Familiarity with GraphPad Prism, data visualization, and basic statistical concepts is a plus
• Familiarity with techniques such as ELISA, cell‑based assays, or reporter assays is a plus
• Exposure to nucleic acid therapeutics and delivery technologies (e.g., RNA, DNA, LNP, viral vectors) is a plus

This position is site‑based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.

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 planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, 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 salary range for this role is $63,200.00 - $100,900.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

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.

Our Working Model

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. This70% 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.

Equal Opportunities

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity 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.

Moderna is a place where everyone can grow.

Moderna is an E‑Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Accommodations

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 accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation 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 team at [e-mail].

Export Control Notice

This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export‑controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Only U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are currently eligible to access such information without an export license. Candidates who do not meet these criteria may still be considered, contingent on the company’s ability to obtain any required export control license.

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.