Sr. Research Associate, Research Analytics, Nucelic Acid Technology

Moderna Therapeutics; Cambridge (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

Discretionary bonus eligibility

Job summary

Moderna is seeking a researcher for the Nucleic Acid Technology team in a site-based Cambridge, MA role. You will perform nucleic acid synthesis, purification, and characterization, and independently execute experiments while adapting protocols to meet project needs.

You will analyze data, troubleshoot workflows, and contribute to method improvements, with opportunities to mentor junior staff and collaborate across programs in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field with 2–5+ years (BS) or 0–3+ years (MS) of industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with PCR, IVT, or related enzymatic workflows.
• Experience purifying and characterizing nucleic acids using chromatographic/analytic techniques.
• Ability to independently perform experiments, analyze data, and maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Perform nucleic acid synthesis, purification, and characterization using molecular biology, chromatographic, and analytical techniques.
• Independently execute laboratory experiments while adapting established protocols to project needs.
• Analyze, interpret, and document experimental data per procedures.
• Troubleshoot workflows and contribute to process improvements.
• Train and mentor junior researchers and support cross-functional collaboration.
• Maintain equipment and ensure safety/documentation standards.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Analytical data interpretation

Scientific documentation

Independent execution

Education

B.S./MS in Biochemistry or related field

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

Capillary electrophoresis

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.

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.

#LI‑NH1 - 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.