Sr. Research Associate, Research Analytics, Nucelic Acid Technology

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Well-being resources

Paid time off & holidays

Discretionary bonus opportunities

Job summary

Moderna seeks a motivated scientist to execute established molecular biology workflows, synthesize and purify nucleic acids, and analyze experimental data in a fast-paced research setting. You will troubleshoot workflows, contribute to method improvements, and mentor junior researchers while supporting multiple programs.

This site-based role requires strong technical execution, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.

Qualifications

• BS and/or MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioanalytical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or related discipline with 2–5+ years (BS) or 0–3+ years (MS).
• Hands-on experience with PCR, IVT, or related enzymatic workflows.
• Experience with nucleic acid purification and characterization using chromatographic/analytical techniques.
• Ability to independently execute experiments, analyze data, and maintain good documentation.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• This is a site-based role at Moderna and not eligible for remote work.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize, purify, and characterize mRNA and other nucleic acids to support multiple research programs.
• Apply molecular biology techniques to generate high-quality research materials.
• Develop analytical methods and solutions to enhance characterization capabilities.
• Independently execute experiments, troubleshoot, and make day-to-day lab decisions.
• Train and mentor junior researchers and maintain a collaborative lab culture.
• Maintain equipment and ensure safety and documentation standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support multiple programs.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Data analysis

Experimental troubleshooting

Scientific documentation

Prioritization

Independent work

Education

BS/MS in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology

Job description

The Role

The Nucleic Acid Technology team, part of the greater Research Analytics organization, supports research across Moderna through the synthesis and characterization of mRNA and other nucleic acids that enable therapeutic and technology development programs. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the delivery of high-quality research materials through hands‑on laboratory work, scientific problem‑solving, and cross‑functional collaboration.

The successful candidate will execute established molecular biology workflows, analyze experimental data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory methods and operations. Although many laboratory processes are well established, each project presents unique challenges that require scientific curiosity, sound judgment, and a commitment to quality.

Success in this role requires strong technical execution, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while balancing multiple priorities in a collaborative, fast‑paced research environment. As technical expertise develops, the individual will become increasingly independent and a trusted resource within the laboratory.

Here’s What You’ll Do

You will be responsible for the synthesis, purification, and characterization of mRNA and other nucleic acids that enable research across Moderna. Working closely with scientists and cross‑functional partners, you will apply molecular biology laboratory techniques to generate high-quality research materials that support multiple research programs. Additionally, as needed, you will work with the team to create analytical solutions and establish new analytical methods that enable increased characterization capabilities that complement the needs of the novel nucleic acid technologies being deployed.

As your technical expertise grows, you will become increasingly independent in experimental execution, troubleshooting, and day‑to‑day laboratory decision‑making while helping maintain an efficient, collaborative, and scientifically rigorous laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform nucleic acid synthesis, purification, and characterization using molecular biology, chromatographic, and analytical techniques.
• Independently execute laboratory experiments while adapting established protocols to meet project‑specific requirements.
• Analyze, interpret, and document experimental data in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Troubleshoot laboratory workflows and contribute to process and method improvements.
• Support implementation and optimization of new laboratory methods and technologies.
• Train and mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative laboratory culture.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and support general laboratory operations while complying with safety and documentation standards.
• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams to support multiple research programs.
• Demonstrate accountability, scientific curiosity, and flexibility while managing multiple priorities.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Basic Qualifications)

• B.S. and/or MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioanalytical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline with relevant industry experience (2-5+ years for B.S.; 0-3+ years for Master’s).
• Hands‑on experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, IVT, or related enzymatic workflows.
• Experience with nucleic acid purification and characterization using chromatographic and analytical techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute laboratory experiments, analyze data, and maintain accurate scientific documentation.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering high‑quality results in a fast‑paced research environment.
• Ability to operate with urgency, accountability, and transparency in a dynamic environment.
• This position is site‑based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full‑time. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience working with RNA or other nucleic acid‑based technologies.
• Experience operating analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, LC‑MS, capillary electrophoresis, Fragment Analyzer, or comparable platforms.
• Experience troubleshooting molecular biology methods and contributing to laboratory or process improvements.
• Experience training, mentoring, or onboarding laboratory personnel.
• Familiarity with automated liquid handling systems or laboratory automation technologies.
• Demonstrated scientific curiosity and a desire to understand the principles underlying laboratory techniques and processes.
• Ability to exercise sound scientific judgment and independently execute experimental work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly summarize technical data and experimental observations.
• Comfort working in a highly collaborative, matrixed environment with evolving priorities.

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.

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, please apply!

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.