Principal Research Associate, Analytical Technical Operations

Moderna • Norwood, MA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

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. Moderna is strengthening its presence in Norwood, Massachusetts, a cornerstone of our manufacturing and operational excellence. Our Norwood campus translates mRNA science into scalable impact, supporting the global delivery of our medicines. We welcome talent ready to drive innovation and make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide. As a Principal Research Associate within Analytical Technical Operations, you will serve as a technical anchor for bioassay execution supporting Technical Development programs across Moderna’s mRNA pipeline. You will combine deep hands-on laboratory expertise with leadership in troubleshooting, assay performance, and workflow optimization in a high-throughput setting. Operating as a fully onsite individual contributor in Norwood, MA, you will play a critical role in ensuring assay robustness, mentoring team members, and advancing automated and data-driven bioanalytical capabilities. The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role: “We act with dynamic range, driving strategy and execution at the same time at every step.” “We behave like owners. The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description.”

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related technical discipline
• 5 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree or 2 years of experience with a Master’s degree

Nice To Haves

• 7 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree or 5 years of experience with a Master’s degree
• Hands-on laboratory experience in cell culture and bioassays
• Deep understanding of ELISA, IVRPE, potency assays, or related plate-based bioassays
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Hands-on experience with cell-based ELISA or potency assays
• Experience working with adherent mammalian cell lines
• Experience with plate-based assays, multichannel pipetting, and automated assay workflows
• Familiarity with plate reader software, electronic laboratory documentation, and routine data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex experimental issues, lead investigations, and improve assay performance
• Experience training or mentoring junior staff and serving as a role model for lab best practices
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow and improve detailed procedures
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Adaptability in a fast-paced laboratory setting

Responsibilities

• Perform routine cell-based ELISA assays to evaluate in vitro relative protein expression (IVRPE) across characterization, development, release, and stability samples.
• Culture and maintain mammalian cell lines using aseptic technique, ensuring optimal cell health, confluency, and viability.
• Prepare assay plates, perform transfections, and execute multi-day workflows supporting development, characterization, release, and stability testing.
• Lead technically complex troubleshooting, investigations, and root cause analysis while remaining an active, hands-on contributor in the laboratory.
• Monitor cell health, confluency, and viability, providing technical oversight to ensure assay readiness and execution quality.
• Operate laboratory equipment including plate readers, plate washers, incubators, biosafety cabinets, and automated assay execution platforms.
• Acquire, analyze, and interpret data using established analysis tools and curve fitting methodologies.
• Maintain accurate and organized experimental records, reinforcing strong documentation practices and inspection readiness across the team.
• Provide guidance to Research Associates and Senior Research Associates on assay execution, best practices, and scientific troubleshooting.
• Lead or contribute to assay transfers, protocol optimization, and implementation of automated workflows to enhance robustness, efficiency, and data quality.
• Drive process improvements and lab efficiency initiatives, contributing to continuous operational excellence.
• Leverage digital tools and advanced analytics, including exposure to emerging generative AI capabilities, to enhance data interpretation and workflow scalability.
• Operate as a full-time, onsite individual contributor at Moderna’s Technology Center campus in Norwood, MA; this position is not eligible for remote work.

Benefits

• Best-in-class healthcare coverage, 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 planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investment opportunities to help you plan for the future
• Location-specific perks and extras

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees