Scientist, 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 sit at the intersection of cell biology and analytical development, designing mechanism-driven potency assays that translate mRNA product biology into robust, fit-for-purpose analytical methods.
You will play a key role in defining and assessing critical quality attributes (CQAs), integrating multi-modal datasets to ensure product quality, consistency, and clinical relevance across development and commercialization.
Working as an individual contributor in a 100% onsite environment in Norwood, you will leverage advanced analytical technologies and digital tools—including exposure to Generative AI—to drive assay innovation and deepen mechanistic understanding.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Design, develop, and execute cell-based potency assays that assess the functional activity of Moderna's mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines

• Develop and apply mass spectrometry-based approaches (e.g., proteomics, targeted protein quantitation) to support cell-based assay readouts and product characterization

• Integrate cell biology and mass spectrometry workflows to interrogate protein expression, modification, and mechanism of action

• Perform assay pre-qualification aligned with regulatory expectations for clinical and commercial programs

• Analyze and interpret complex datasets, including proteomics and multi-modal assay data, to inform assay performance and product understanding

• Participate in the creation of project goals and experimental strategies

• Troubleshoot assay performance across both MS-based and cell-based components, driving root cause identification and resolution

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for cell-based and/or MS-enabled assay methodologies, providing technical support across internal and external project teams

• Author and review technical documents, including protocols, reports, and method transfer packages

• Evaluate emerging technologies in mass spectrometry, proteomics, and cell-based assay platforms for potential implementation

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 Qualifications) 

• BS degree with ≥ 8 years, MS degree with ≥5 years, or PhD degree with ≥0 years of relevant industry experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biological Engineering, or a related field

• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based potency assays

• Strong experience in mass spectrometry, including proteomics (e.g., LC-MS/MS), sample preparation, and data analysis workflows

• Experience integrating mass spectrometry with cell-based systems to assess protein expression, post-translational modifications, or pathway activation

• Experience with nucleic acids (e.g., RNA, DNA) and delivery systems (e.g., LNP, lipoplex, AAV)

• Familiarity with complementary techniques such as flow cytometry, ELISA, qPCR, and/or reporter assays

• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex, multi-dimensional datasets and guide assay optimization

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with shifting priorities in a dynamic environment

• Excellent organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal

• Self-motivated, team-oriented, and capable of working with minimal supervision

• This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.

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 $109,200.00 - $174,600.00. 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

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