Sr. Research Associate

ModernaTX • Cambridge, MA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Moderna’s Immuno-Oncology Research team is seeking a talented and motivated Senior Research Associate to help develop mRNA-based cancer therapies. The role uses molecular biology and immunology techniques to characterize mRNA products, their activity, and relevant biomarkers in vitro and in vivo, supporting early preclinical research, IND-enabling studies, and translational research. It is a bench-focused position requiring technical expertise and collaboration in a fast-paced, cross-functional team.

The successful candidate will conduct in vitro and ex vivo experiments, generate and present high-quality, reproducible data, and work with Moderna’s mRNA products in relevant experimental systems. The role is 100% onsite to support hands-on work, direct mentorship, close collaboration, and site-based operations. Moderna describes its work environment as smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of experience.
• Technical experience in cell transfection, long-term immune cell cultures, co-culture assays, multicolor flow cytometry (standard and spectral), and protein detection methods such as MSD and ELISA.
• Self-motivated, flexible, and able to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in assay development and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with qPCR and ddPCR.
• 1–3 years of relevant experience in an immuno-oncology setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and contribute to high-performing teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with GraphPad Prism and Omiq for flow cytometry data analysis.
• Desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Responsibilities

• Use Moderna’s mRNA products to demonstrate expression and characterize the activity of immuno-oncology therapeutic proteins in relevant in vitro and/or in vivo experimental systems.
• Develop knowledge of preclinical cancer models and toxicology models.
• Perform or support experiments and assays, including immune cell isolation, cell culture, ELISA/MSD, flow cytometry, cell-based functional and reporter assays, and sample processing and analysis for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies.
• Collaborate with the direct team and cross-functional teams of scientists.
• Maintain an organized work area and electronic lab notebook.
• Analyze, visualize, and summarize experimental data.
• Present results at team and cross-functional meetings when relevant.

Benefits

• Competitive healthcare and voluntary benefit programs.
• Well-being resources, including 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 an equity award, subject to plan eligibility and individual performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior