Research Associate, Infectious Disease Virology

Moderna • Cambridge, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Role Moderna is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to join the Infectious Disease Virology team. This role will support the development of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics by executing virology assays that enable key preclinical and translational decisions across multiple programs. The successful candidate will contribute to the generation of high-quality, decision-enabling data through the execution of cell-based and virological assays, working in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment. This role requires strong experimental rigor, adaptability to evolving program needs, and a commitment to delivering data with speed and integrity. This position will interface closely with scientists across research, translational, and clinical teams to support parallel workstreams and critical timelines.

Requirements

• B.S. in virology, immunology, cell biology, or a related discipline with 0–2 years of relevant experience (industry or academic)
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and sterile technique is required
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and commitment to data quality and reproducibility
• Ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and adapt to evolving scientific and programmatic needs
• This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with virology techniques such as virus propagation, viral infectivity assays, or neutralization assays
• Familiarity with molecular and cellular assays (e.g., PCR/qPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, western blotting)
• Experience working in a high-throughput or matrixed research environment

Responsibilities

• Culture and maintain mammalian cell lines and primary cells to support virology assays
• Execute virological assays, including virus neutralization and infectivity-based readouts, with high precision and reproducibility
• Perform assay quality control and ensure data integrity to support program decision-making
• Analyze, summarize, and clearly communicate experimental results to team members
• Maintain accurate and well-organized electronic laboratory notebooks in accordance with internal standards
• Support reagent preparation, sample tracking, and inventory management
• Contribute to optimization and scaling of assays (e.g., throughput improvements, workflow efficiency)
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver data across multiple concurrent programs under aggressive timelines

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: Entry Level