Senior Research Associate, Clinical Flow Cytometry

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 establishing a leading research, development, and manufacturing facility at Harwell to support onshore mRNA vaccine production for respiratory diseases in the UK. This long term investment will create skilled jobs and strengthen collaboration with academic, NHS, and government partners. We welcome experts ready to help expand access to life saving vaccines.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to join Moderna’s Clinical Flow Cytometry group in Harwell, Oxfordshire on a 1-year fixed term contract. Operating as an individual contributor within a collaborative scientific environment, you will serve as a technical expert in the generation of high parameter flow cytometry data under GCLP guidelines to support clinical programs across multiple therapeutic areas across the UK. You will play a critical role in generating high quality clinical trial data through the development, validation, and execution of advanced cell-based flow cytometry assays. Working closely with scientists and laboratory associates, you will help drive key clinical decisions through robust immunophenotyping, functional immune profiling, and complex assay execution using cutting edge spectral flow technologies and digital laboratory systems.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• 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, data integrity expectations, and reproducibility requirements.
• 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.

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications):

• BA or MS in Immunology, Life Sciences, Biology, or related field; 3+ years lab experience preferably in 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.