Sr. Research Associate, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory, Flow Cytometry

Moderna; Norwood (MA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive healthcare

Well-being resources

Family planning benefits

Generous paid time off

Savings and investments

Job summary

Moderna is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join the Clinical Flow Cytometry group to serve as a technical expert for high parameter flow cytometry data under GCLP guidelines to support clinical programs across multiple therapeutic areas. You will be an integral part in applying high parameter flow and complex assays to generate key clinical data to drive clinical trial decisions.

You will develop cell-based flow cytometry assays, perform fit-for-purpose validations, and execute clinical

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Immunology or related field with 3+ years lab experience.
• Direct flow cytometry experience from sample processing to acquisition.
• Experience in a regulated lab is preferred.
• Experience with cell culture, ex vivo assays, and tissue isolation.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficient with data analysis and presentation tools.

Responsibilities

• Execute clinical sample testing under GCLP guidelines.
• Perform ex vivo stimulation for cytokine profiling on PBMC samples.
• High parameter immunophenotyping on PBMCs, whole blood, and tissue samples.
• PBMC isolation and cryopreservation from blood products.
• Adhere to protocols to ensure assay rigor and repeatability.
• Deliver high quality data within defined timelines.
• Develop and validate high parameter spectral flow cytometry assays.
• Run experiments from sample prep to acquisition and data analysis.
• Assist in assay development and validation studies under Study Lead.
• Maintain general lab organization and safety.
• Site-based role; not eligible for remote work; overtime/weekend shifts may occur.

Skills

Flow cytometry

Cell culture

Ex vivo assays

Cell isolation

Computational skills

Communication

Independence

Education

BS or MS in Immunology, Life Sciences, Biology, or related field

Tools

FCSExpress

GraphPad Prism

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Role

Moderna is seeking a talented and motivated Senior Research Associate to join the Clinical Flow Cytometry group to serve as a technical expert for the generation of high parameter flow cytometry data under GCLP guidelines to support clinical programs across multiple therapeutic areas. The Senior Research Associate will work with a team of scientists to return high quality data for clinical trials conducted by Moderna. This will include development of cell-based flow cytometry assays, performing fit-for-purpose validations, and executing clinical sample testing. You will be an integral part in applying high parameter flow and complex assays to generate key clinical data to drive clinical trial decisions.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Execute clinical sample testing under GCLP guidelines
  • Conduct ex vivo stimulation for functional profiling of immune responses using intracellular cytokine staining on clinical trial PBMC samples
  • High parameter immunophenotyping on PBMCs, whole blood samples, and tissue samples
  • PBMC isolation and cryopreservation from blood products
  • Strict adherence to protocols related to technical details and documentation to ensure assay rigor and repeatability
• Deliver high quality data within defined timelines and aligned to current industry expectations
• Play a prominent role in a team developing high parameter spectral flow cytometry assays and applying them to clinical trial samples to generate key data.
• Adhere to established experimental workflows and documentation procedures while working to improve processes for accuracy and efficiency
• Run experiments independently from sample prep to acquisition, and accurately analyze (FCSExpress) and present data
• Under the direction of the Study Lead, participate in assay development and validation studies
• Work with the team to identify, test feasibility, and implement emerging laboratory techniques
• Assist in general lab organization and other shared duties
• Maintain and support safe lab practices and environment
• This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work
• Occasionally the job may require overtime work or weekend shift as needed

Here’s What You’ll Bring To The Table

• BS or MS in Immunology, Life Sciences, Biology, or related field; 3+ years lab experience
• Direct flow cytometry experience from sample processing and staining, through sample acquisition
• Experience in a regulated lab is desired
• Experience with cell culture, ex vivo assays, and cell isolation from tissues
• Experience in assessing cell-mediated immunity through flow cytometry: ex vivo stimulation of PBMC and intracellular cytokine staining for functional profiling is desired
• Possess good computational skills, experienced with Word, Excel, Power Point, and GraphPad Prism
• Demonstrated level of independence
• An effective communicator and collaborator in a project team with good written and presentation skills
• Flexibility with changing priorities and urgent project requests

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.

That’s why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• 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 $74,000.00 - $118,400.00. 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.

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine.

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. 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.

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. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day.

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.