Principal Research Associate, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory, Flow Cytometry in Harwell

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. This role is based in Oxford and offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of clinical immunology, applying advanced spectral flow cytometry technologies to generate critical data that informs clinical development decisions across multiple therapeutic areas.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical expert within the Clinical Flow Cytometry group, supporting clinical programs across multiple therapeutic areas.
• Execute clinical sample testing under GCLP requirements, ensuring quality, compliance, and data integrity.
• Set up and perform ex‑vivo assays and functional profiling of immune responses using validated protocols.
• Conduct high‑parameter immunophenotyping on PBMC and whole blood samples using advanced spectral flow cytometry platforms.
• Perform PBMC isolation and cryopreservation from blood products following established procedures.
• Maintain accurate documentation using ELN and LIMS; analyze and interpret flow cytometry data with FCS Express; communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Identify and resolve quality issues, and act as study or assay lead when assigned.
• Develop and validate spectral flow cytometry assays for clinical trials; contribute to SOPs, analytical study plans, and reports.
• Operate and support Cytek Aurora spectral flow cytometers; identify process gaps and develop mitigation strategies.
• Evaluate, feasibility test, and implement emerging laboratory technologies; partner with colleagues for innovation.
• Mentor junior team members; support business needs through occasional overtime.
• Act as SME for instrument and process management when required.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory governance, safe practices and maintenance of a compliant environment.

Basic Qualifications

• BA or MS in Immunology, Life Sciences, Biology, or related field with >5 years of laboratory experience, preferably in industry.
• PhD in a relevant field considered as part of experience.
• Minimum 3 years of high‑parameter flow cytometry experience, including best practices from sample processing to data acquisition.
• Understanding of spectral flow cytometry and experience on cytometers such as Cytek Aurora, BD Fortessa/Symphony, and similar.
• Knowledge of data analysis software: FCS Express, OMIQ, FlowJo.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Practical understanding of AI for scientific problem solving.
• Effective communicator and collaborator with strong written and presentation skills.
• Flexibility with changing priorities and urgent project requests.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cell culture, ex‑vivo assays, and PBMC isolation from whole blood.
• Experience assessing cell‑mediated immunity via flow cytometry: ex‑vivo stimulation of PBMC and intracellular cytokine staining.
• Experience in regulated environments (GCP, GLP, ISO) and clinical testing laboratories.
• Strong computational skills; experienced with GraphPad Prism and R.
• Up‑to‑date on best practices in flow cytometry for clinical trials.
• Demonstrated level of independence.

Pay & Benefits

• Best‑in‑class healthcare, with voluntary benefit programs.
• Well‑being resources: fitness, mindfulness, mental health support, family‑building benefits including fertility, adoption, surrogacy support.
• Generous paid time off: vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, discretionary year‑end shutdown.
• Savings and investment plans to help you plan for the future.
• Location‑specific perks and extras (benefits may vary by country).

Equal Opportunity Employment

Moderna is committed to equal opportunity in 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. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment 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 and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.