Research Associate, Analytical Technical Operations

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.

As a Research Associate within Analytical Technical Operations, you will execute high-throughput bioassay testing to support Technical Development programs across Moderna’s mRNA pipeline.
You will operate in a fast-paced laboratory environment where precision, reproducibility, and disciplined execution are critical to delivering high-quality analytical data.
This individual contributor role offers the opportunity to deepen expertise in cell-based and ELISA assays while contributing to process improvements and next-generation, data-driven laboratory operations.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

Perform routine cell-based ELISA assays to evaluate in vitro relative protein expression (IVRPE) across characterization, development, release, and stability samples.

Culture and maintain mammalian cell lines using aseptic technique, ensuring optimal cell health, confluency, and viability.

Prepare assay plates, perform transfections, and execute multi-day workflows supporting development, characterization, release, and stability testing.

Conduct serial dilutions, reagent preparation, sample handling, and plate-based assay execution with strong attention to detail and reproducibility.

Monitor cell health, confluency, and viability, escalating atypical observations promptly to ensure assay integrity.

Operate laboratory equipment including plate readers, plate washers, incubators, and biosafety cabinets.

Acquire, review, and document assay data using established analysis tools and curve fitting methods.

Maintain accurate, organized, and inspection-ready experimental records in laboratory systems and notebooks.

Collaborate with Analytical Development, automation teams, and cross-functional partners to support troubleshooting and method transfers.

Contribute to process improvements and lab efficiency initiatives while maintaining a strong focus on consistent, high-quality routine execution.

Leverage digital tools and evolving analytical technologies, including opportunities to engage with generative AI, to enhance data quality and workflow efficiency.

Operate as a full-time, onsite individual contributor at Moderna’s Technology Center campus in Norwood, MA.

The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:

“We act with urgency; Action today compounds the lives saved tomorrow.”

“We behave like owners. The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description.”

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or related field

• 0–2 years of laboratory experience in cell culture or bioassays

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

• Previous industry experience preferred

• Hands-on experience with cell-based ELISA, IVRPE, or potency assays with appropriate technical understanding

• Experience working with adherent mammalian cell lines

• Experience with plate-based assays and multichannel pipetting

• Familiarity with plate reader software, electronic laboratory documentation, and routine data analysis

• Experience with serial dilutions, reagent preparation, and assay setup

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow detailed procedures consistently

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

• Adaptability in a fast-paced laboratory setting

• Strong organizational and time management skills

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 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. 

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities. 

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 [email protected]. 

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-TR2

-