Senior Research Associate, Bioanalytical & Molecular Assays - Ligand Binding Assays in Harwell

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. This is an opportunity to join Moderna's Bioanalytical and Molecular Assays – Ligand Binding Assays team as an individual contributor, helping to advance the development of innovative mRNA medicines. Working in a fast‑paced, high‑performing laboratory environment, you will develop, validate, and execute bioanalytical assays that generate critical pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity data supporting clinical programs. You will combine strong scientific expertise with operational excellence, partnering across functions to ensure robust assay performance, regulatory compliance, and timely delivery of high‑quality data.

Responsibilities

• Support the development, optimization, and validation of ligand‑binding and cell‑based assays to evaluate pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity endpoints for novel mRNA‑derived proteins.
• Perform clinical sample testing across a range of biological matrices in compliance with Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GcLP) requirements using Thermo Watson LIMS.
• Deliver assay development and validation activities on schedule to support key program milestones.
• Maintain accurate experimental documentation using electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Support the generation, characterization, establishment, and control of critical reagents.
• Contribute to laboratory operations to ensure an efficient and compliant working environment.
• Prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical reports, and scientific data presentations.
• Review raw experimental data, analytical study reports, and assay validation reports to ensure laboratory activities comply with current regulatory requirements, industry standards, and Moderna quality expectations.
• Confirm that generated data meet both scientific and regulatory expectations.
• Support the procurement, qualification, and implementation of analytical equipment.
• Partner closely with Clinical Operations and Sample Management to define the end‑to‑end clinical sample journey.
• Develop fit‑for‑purpose laboratory manuals that support successful clinical sample management and testing.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high‑performance team focused on developing de novo bioanalytical assays for novel mRNA‑derived proteins.

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

Basic Qualifications

• A BA/BS in a biological science field and a minimum of 5 years of industry biotech, pharmaceutical, or CRO experience.
• MS with 3+ years of experience.
• Experience with Ligand Binding and/or Cell‑Based Assays is required.
• Candidates with experience doing PK, ADA, or nAb assays are preferred.
• Candidates with experience working in a regulated environment (GLP, GcLP, GMP) are preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to multi‑task, effective communication skills and a strong desire to collaborate with the team.
• Ability to effectively communicate program objectives, data analysis, and present findings to group team members and key stakeholders.
• Knowledge of GcLP requirements and understanding of current industry trends and regulatory expectations associated with analytical science.
• Experience on Watson LIMS and LabVantage eLBN would be an advantage.
• A desire to make an impact as part of a high‑growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Pay & Benefits

• Competitive healthcare, 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 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 (benefits may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the country where you work).

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 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. If you need assistance completing any part of the application process or performing the essential functions of the position, please contact the Accommodations and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.