Overview
This one-year fixed-term position is for a Senior Research Associate on Moderna’s Clinical Flow Cytometry team in Harwell, Oxfordshire. The role involves generating high-quality flow cytometry data for clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas, supporting clinical programs under GCLP guidelines.
Responsibilities
- Execute clinical sample testing under GCLP guidelines to support Moderna clinical programs across multiple therapeutic areas.
- Conduct functional profiling of immune responses on clinical trial samples using validated flow cytometry assays.
- Perform high-parameter immunophenotyping on PBMC and whole blood samples with strong attention to assay quality and reproducibility.
- Apply high-parameter spectral flow cytometry approaches to generate clinically meaningful immune monitoring data.
- Participate in the development and fit-for-purpose validation of complex cell-based flow cytometry assays.
- Execute clinical sample testing activities in accordance with established protocols, technical procedures, and documentation requirements.
- Ensure strict adherence to GCLP standards, assay rigor, data integrity expectations, and reproducibility requirements.
- Deliver high-quality data within defined timelines while maintaining alignment with current industry standards for quality and compliance.
- Identify, troubleshoot, and escalate assay or quality issues as appropriate to maintain operational excellence.
- Process PBMC samples and qualify cryopreserved PBMCs received from clinical and vendor sites to ensure optimal sample integrity and performance.
- Support end-to-end experimental workflows including sample preparation, staining, instrument acquisition, and downstream data analysis.
- Analyze complex flow cytometry datasets using FCS Express software with a high level of technical accuracy.
- Document experimental procedures and testing activities using LES and LIMS platforms to maintain compliant digital laboratory records.
- Collaborate closely with scientists and laboratory colleagues to execute experiments efficiently and effectively.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on enhancing laboratory accuracy, workflow efficiency, and assay robustness.
- Partner with the team to feasibility test and implement emerging laboratory techniques and innovative technologies, including opportunities to work alongside advanced digital and AI-enabled scientific tools.
- Support laboratory operations through general housekeeping and shared responsibilities to maintain a safe, organized, and inspection-ready environment.
- Operate as a key technical contributor within Moderna’s Clinical Flow Cytometry team, helping generate critical clinical data that informs trial progression and strategic decision making.
Basic Qualifications
- BA or MS in Immunology, Life Sciences, Biology, or related field; 3+ years lab experience preferably in an industry setting.
- Demonstratable experience in cytometry from sample processing and staining, through sample acquisition.
- Knowledge of best practices in the use of cytometry to generate high-quality data.
- Experience with cell-based assays, cell culture, ex vivo flow cytometry assays, in-depth experience with PBMC processing.
- Prior experience working independently on laboratory procedures and processes is preferred.
- An effective communicator and collaborator within project teams with good written and presentation skills.
- Experience working as part of a team and communicating with managers.
- This position is site-based, requiring presence at Moderna’s site full-time. Remote work is not eligible.
- May require an enhanced pre-employment check as part of Moderna’s workplace safety commitment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with primary human cells such as PBMC.
- Experience in assessing cell-mediated immunity through cytometry: ex-vivo stimulation of PBMC and intracellular cytokine staining for functional profiling.
- Experience working in a regulated lab is a plus.
- Possess strong computational skills, experience with Microsoft Office tools, and GraphPad Prism.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and urgent project requests.
- Ability to work cross-functionally and across matrices.
- Desire to make an impact within a high-growth, transformational company.
Pay & Benefits
- Best-in-class healthcare, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs.
- Holistic approach to well-being with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support.
- Family building benefits including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support.
- Generous paid time off including vacation, bank holidays, 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.
EEO & Non-Discrimination Statement
Moderna is committed to equal opportunity employment 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. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. If an applicant requires an accommodation or adjustment in connection with the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, they should contact the Accommodations and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.
