Sr. Research Associate, Analytical Development

The Role: Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients. Moderna is strengthening its presence in Norwood, Massachusetts, a cornerstone of our manufacturing and operational excellence. Our Norwood campus translates mRNA science into scalable impact, supporting the global delivery of our medicines. We welcome talent ready to drive innovation and make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide. In this role, you will operate at the interface of product biology and analytical methodology, translating complex biological mechanisms into robust, high-performing cell-based bioassays. As a Senior Research Associate, you will independently generate and interpret high-quality data that informs product understanding, assay performance, and lifecycle progression from early development through commercialization. Working as an individual contributor in a 100% onsite environment in Norwood, you will collaborate cross-functionally while leveraging advanced digital tools and gaining exposure to Generative AI to enhance analytical insights, assay development, and decision-making. Here’s What You’ll Do: Independently execute and optimize cell-based bioassays to assess functional activity of mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines Design and perform experiments to elucidate the relationship between product biology, mechanism of action, and assay readouts Contribute to assay development strategies by evaluating assay formats, controls, and critical parameters Analyze and interpret complex datasets to support assay performance, comparability, and deep product understanding Troubleshoot assay variability and performance issues, identifying root causes and implementing robust improvements Support assay qualification activities in alignment with regulatory expectations Author and review technical documentation, including protocols, reports, and method lifecycle documentation Collaborate cross-functionally with Analytical Development, Quality, Process Development, and Research teams to support method transfer, characterization studies, and lifecycle management Evaluate and implement new technologies or innovative approaches to enhance assay robustness, sensitivity, and throughput The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role: “We obsess over learning. We don’t have to be the smartest we have to learn the fastest.” “We pursue options in parallel to make the best choice later.” Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications) BS degree with ≥2 years of relevant industry experience, or MS degree with ≥0 years of experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biological Engineering, or a related field Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based bioassays Proficiency with techniques such as ELISA, flow cytometry, or luminescence/fluorescence-based reporter assays Familiarity with nucleic acids (e.g. RNA, DNA) and delivery systems (e.g. LNP, lipoplex, AAV) Ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, and draw scientifically sound conclusions Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in assay development contexts Strong organizational and communication skills, with experience documenting and presenting data Collaborative, proactive, and detail-oriented mindset This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work. At Moderna, we are focused on delivering on our mission by enabling talent to thrive. For this role, we are currently unable to offer immigration sponsorship. Candidates must already hold work authorization in US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship. 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- ... (truncated, view full listing at source)