Principal Scientist, Bioanalytical & Molecular Assays in Oxford

Role Overview

Joining Moderna means advancing m RNA 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 at Moderna’s Harwell site and offers the opportunity to shape the future of molecular and genomic biomarker strategies across a diverse clinical portfolio.

Working at the intersection of molecular biology, bioanalysis, genomics, informatics, and clinical development, you will play a critical role in advancing programs from discovery through clinical development while helping translate clinical insights into future pipeline opportunities.

• What You’ll Do
• Provide hands‑on scientific leadership and laboratory support for the design, development, optimization, and delivery of fit‑for‑purpose molecular assays supporting clinical endpoints.
• Lead the development and implementation of RT‑q PCR, d PCR, and NGS‑based assays across a broad range of applications, including gene expression, viral load analysis, m RNA pharmacokinetics, bulk RNA sequencing, targeted RNA sequencing, single‑cell RNA sequencing, TCR/BCR repertoire profiling, targeted DNA panels, and pathogen or viral sequencing.
• Own end‑to‑end assay lifecycle activities, including method development, qualification, validation, and technology transfer to internal laboratories and external CRO partners.
• Author and review validation plans, reports, protocols, acceptance criteria, and supporting technical documentation in accordance with GCLP requirements and industry best practices.
• Ensure assays are scientifically robust, reproducible, scalable, and aligned with clinical program objectives and regulatory expectations.
• Oversee phase‑appropriate clinical sample testing activities, ensuring rigorous quality control, quality assurance, data integrity, and operational excellence throughout assay execution.
• Lead deviation investigations, CAPA activities, and inspection‑readiness efforts to support compliance and audit preparedness.
• Serve as a scientific subject matter expert for molecular assay strategies across multiple clinical development programs spanning Phase 1 through Phase 3.
• Work independently while providing matrix leadership across multidisciplinary teams of molecular biologists, NGS scientists, and bioinformaticians.
• Mentor colleagues and contribute to the continued development of scientific capabilities across the organization.
• Partner closely with Clinical Development, Biomarkers and Translational Medicine, Bioanalytics, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Data and IT teams to ensure alignment between assay strategies and broader program goals.
• Integrate basic science research, bioanalytical approaches, genomics, and informatics to support clinical development decisions and generate actionable biological insights.
• Reverse‑engineer clinical findings to identify novel scientific opportunities that can inform and strengthen Moderna’s future pipeline.
• Effectively communicate scientific strategies, project plans, risks, challenges, and study outcomes to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Influence cross‑functional decision‑making by translating complex molecular and genomic data into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Contribute to the adoption of innovative technologies, advanced computational approaches, and AI‑enabled solutions that enhance assay development, data interpretation, and translational research capabilities.
• Thrive within a fast‑moving, highly collaborative environment where scientific rigor, innovation, and patient impact remain central to every decision.
• The Key Moderna Mindsets
• We obsess over learning. We don’t have to be the smartest; we have to learn the fastest.
• We act with dynamic range, driving strategy and execution at the same time at every step.
• Basic Qualifications

Education

• Ph. D. in Molecular Biology, Genomics, or related field with 9+ years of biotech/pharma experience (or M. S. with 12+ years of directly relevant experience).
• Technical Expertise
• Deep, hands‑on experience developing and validating clinical q PCR, d PCR, NGS assays and managing end‑to‑end workflows from method development, validation, sample testing and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of GCLP/GLP guidelines preferred and requirements for phase‑appropriate validation for clinical trial biomarker/endpoints; familiarity with Gx P/MHRA/GCLP/ICH expectations and inspection readiness.
• Proficiency with library prep (amplicon, hybrid capture, poly(A)/RNA workflows), nucleic acid extraction from diverse matrices, and orthogonal QC (Bioanalyzer/Tapestation, q PCR/d PCR).
• Demonstrated track record building and validating bioinformatics pipelines.
• Experience integrating genomics data and instrumentation with LIMS/ELN, data governance, and secure handling of clinical data strongly desired.
• Pay & Benefits
• Best‑in‑class 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.

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.

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