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 support the development, optimization, and execution of cell-based bioassays to enable release and stability testing of mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines. You will generate high-quality, precise data that underpins clinical and commercial programs, ensuring robustness and reliability across analytical workflows. Operating as an individual contributor in a 100% onsite environment, you will collaborate cross-functionally while expanding your expertise and leveraging digital and Generative AI-enabled tools to enhance assay performance and data insights. Here’s What You’ll Do: Execute cell-based bioassays to assess potency and functional activity of mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines Support assay development, optimization, and qualification activities under scientific guidance Perform routine cell culture activities, including maintaining and expanding cell lines with precision Analyze experimental data rigorously, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and clear documentation of results Assist in troubleshooting assay performance issues and investigating deviations to ensure data reliability Follow established protocols, SOPs, and regulatory expectations in a highly controlled environment Contribute to authoring and maintaining technical documentation, including protocols, reports, and data summaries Collaborate cross-functionally with Analytical Development, Quality, Process Development, and Research teams to support project timelines and deliverables 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 digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.” Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Requirements): BS degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biological Engineering, or related field with 0–3 years of relevant experience Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and/or bioassays preferred Familiarity with techniques such as ELISA, cell-based assays, or reporter assays is a plus Familiarity with nucleic acids (e.g. RNA, DNA) and delivery systems (e.g. LNP, lipoplex, AAV) Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols accurately Basic data analysis and problem-solving skills Strong organizational and communication skills Team-oriented mindset with willingness to learn and grow 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 $63,200.00 - $100,900.00. 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 ... (truncated, view full listing at source)