Scientist, Analytical Technical Operations

ModernaTX • Norwood, MA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Moderna Analytical Technical Operations (ATO) team is seeking a Scientist to lead operational method development and enable analytical methods to move from development into robust, scalable, high-throughput laboratory execution. This is a 100% onsite role at Moderna’s Technology Center campus in Norwood, Massachusetts. The Scientist serves as a scientific interface between Analytical Development and ATO, bringing expertise in LC/MS, chromatography, microfluidic methods, automation, and high-throughput methodologies, alongside an understanding of sample demand, turnaround time, equipment capacity, data flow, and routine execution requirements. The role supports characterization, in-process, release, and stability testing across Moderna programs.

The position leads method optimization, technology transfer, troubleshooting, and lifecycle improvements. It translates methods into standardized workflows for routine, high-volume testing while preserving scientific intent and required performance. The Scientist designs and executes studies for optimization, performance characterization, comparability, pre-validation, transfer, and operational readiness; supports automation-ready workflows and high-throughput laboratory operations; and partners across scientific, quality, digital, automation, engineering, and external teams. The role also develops technical documentation, mentors colleagues, and drives continuous improvement and method lifecycle management.

Moderna describes its work environment as smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free. Employment is contingent on the applicant qualifying as a U.S. person under applicable export control requirements; Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.

Requirements

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline; alternatively, a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree with directly applicable industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience in analytical method development, optimization, transfer, validation or pre-validation, troubleshooting, and lifecycle support.
• Hands-on experience with LC/MS and liquid chromatographic techniques, including method performance assessment, data interpretation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience translating scientific method requirements into reliable routine execution while accounting for volume, capacity, scheduling, turnaround time, training, and executional robustness.
• Ability to independently design studies, analyze data, solve complex problems, manage multiple priorities, and influence outcomes across cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with microfluidic, capillary electrophoretic, plate-based, or comparable high-throughput analytical technologies, including LabChip or similar platforms.
• Experience designing, implementing, or improving automated or semi-automated laboratory workflows using liquid handlers, robotic systems, integrated workcells, or automated data processing.
• Experience supporting mRNA, oligonucleotide, gene therapy, biologics, vaccines, lipid nanoparticles, or other advanced therapeutic modalities.
• Knowledge of analytical procedure lifecycle management, data integrity, GMP/GLP expectations, and phase-appropriate method control.
• Experience with LIMS, ELN, chromatography data systems, laboratory scheduling tools, automated data pipelines, or instrument integration.
• Experience partnering with contract laboratories, external development or manufacturing organizations, instrument vendors, or automation providers.
• Strong scientific judgment, technical writing, collaboration, and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical operational solutions.
• Proactive, curious, data-driven approach and commitment to quality, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and Moderna’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational method development focused on robustness, reproducibility, throughput, automation compatibility, data integrity, and long-term sustainability.
• Translate Analytical Development methods into standardized, scalable workflows for routine, high-volume testing while preserving scientific intent and required performance.
• Design and execute studies supporting method optimization, performance characterization, comparability, pre-validation, transfer, and operational readiness.
• Provide technical expertise in LC/MS and separation sciences, including HPLC/UHPLC, capillary electrophoresis, microfluidic platforms, method execution, data interpretation, and troubleshooting.
• Advance microfluidic analytical methods, including LabChip or comparable platforms, to improve speed, sample efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
• Develop automation-ready sample preparation and analytical workflows compatible with liquid handlers, robotic platforms, plate-based execution, and integrated data systems.
• Apply high-throughput principles to optimize batching, instrument utilization, analyst touch time, cycle time, and laboratory capacity.
• Serve as a primary scientific interface with Analytical Development, engaging early in method design and communicating operational requirements for volume, run time, controls, standards, equipment, data review, automation, and transferability.
• Lead or support analytical technology transfer, including transfer strategy, execution, acceptance criteria, knowledge transfer, training, documentation, and post-transfer monitoring.
• Lead complex technical troubleshooting and investigations involving methods, instrumentation, reagents, samples, data, and workflow interactions using structured root cause analysis and experimental design.
• Partner with Process Development, Formulation Sciences, Quality Control, Digital, Automation, Laboratory Engineering, and external organizations to ensure end-to-end method and technology readiness.
• Create technical documentation, including protocols, reports, transfer packages, work instructions, risk assessments, and training materials.
• Mentor colleagues and strengthen organizational capability in method science, operational development, technology transfer, automation, and data-driven problem solving.
• Drive continuous improvement and method lifecycle management through performance monitoring, modernization, change implementation, and sustainable corrective and preventive actions.

Benefits

• Competitive healthcare and voluntary benefit programs.
• Fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support.
• Family planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support.
• Paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown.
• Savings and investment programs.
• Location-specific perks and extras.
• Potential eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree