Sr. Research Associate, Protein Design

RXinsider LTD.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 118,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Well-being resources

Family planning benefits

Generous PTO

Investment opportunities

Location perks

Job summary

Moderna in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Senior Research Associate on the Protein Design team to advance protein expression screening and characterization for Infectious Disease Research, using mammalian cell culture and chromatography-based purification.

You will perform biophysical characterization (SDS-PAGE, Western blot, DSC, DSF, SEC‑MALS), optimize expression conditions, and present results across group and department meetings in a fast-paced vaccine and therapeutic development setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology or related field with 2+ years of experience or Master’s with 1+ years.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture for protein expression.
• Recombinant protein expression and purification experience.
• Experience with FPLC systems and basic maintenance.
• Biophysical characterization techniques for proteins.
• Ability to work on multiple collaborative projects in cross-functional teams.
• Strong multitasking, attention to detail and communication skills.
• Prior co-op or internship in protein biochemistry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mammalian cell culture and protein expression in mammalian cells.
• Purify proteins by chromatography-based methods and optimize conditions.
• Characterize proteins using standard biochemical/biophysical methods.
• Manage inventory and logistics for reagents and partnered programs.
• Summarize and present data at group and department meetings.
• Assess expression via flow cytometry and study biomolecular interactions.
• Communicate project goals and timelines across teams.
• Explore new purification methods and enable production of difficult proteins.
• Leverage AI tools to assist data analysis and presentation.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Protein expression

Protein purification

Biophysical characterization

Flow cytometry

BLI/SPR

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Communication skills

Vaccine antigen knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

FPLC systems

Biochemical instrumentation

SDS-PAGE equipment

Job description

The Role

Moderna is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join the Protein Design team at its Cambridge, MA site. This role will primarily support protein expression screening and characterization for the Infectious Disease Research. The candidate will be responsible for utilizing mammalian cell culture techniques for protein expression, applying chromatographic methods for protein purification, and performing biophysical characterization of proteins to support the development of vaccines and therapeutics.

Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills are essential, as the candidate will align on project goals and deliver high-quality results to drive the progress of multiple research programs. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge vaccine and therapeutic development in a fast‑paced and innovative environment.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Mammalian cell culture and protein expression primarily in mammalian cells;
• Protein purification by chromatography‑based methods (affinity, ion exchange, size‑exclusion, use of FPLC systems for semi‑automated purifications)
• Testing and optimizing expression/purification conditions
• Characterization of proteins by standard biochemical and biophysical techniques (SDS‑PAGE, western blots, DSC, DSF, SEC‑MALS)
• Manage an inventory of laboratory reagents and support logistics of external receipts/shipping for partnered programs
• Interpret, summarize, and present experimental data and results at group meetings, project meetings and department meetings
• Assess protein expression via flow cytometry‑based approaches
• Experience with techniques such as BLI and SPR to study biomolecular interactions
• Experience working with or knowledge of viral vaccine antigens
• Research and develop new protein purification methods, and scout other enabling technologies to facilitate production of difficult‑to‑express proteins
• Effectively communicate project goals, timelines, progress, and results across functional groups
• Use Agentic AI approaches to assist data analysis, organization, and presentation
• Manage an inventory of laboratory reagents and support logistics of external receipts/shipping for partnered programs
• Interpret, summarize, and present experimental data and results at group meetings, project meetings and department meetings

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 1+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture techniques for protein expression.
• Proficiency in standard methods for recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Experience operating and performing basic maintenance on FPLC systems.
• Familiarity with biophysical characterization techniques for proteins.
• Ability to work on multiple collaborative projects in a cross‑functional team environment.
• Strong multi‑tasking skills to support technology development and research objectives.
• Solid quantitative analysis skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Prior co‑op or internship experience in a protein biochemistry laboratory is preferred

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our US benefits and global well‑being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class healthcare coverage, 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 investment opportunities 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.

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.

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. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non‑U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.