Sr. Research Associate, Preclinical Quality Control in Research Analytics

Moderna • Cambridge, MA

26d • $74,000 - $118,400 • Onsite

About The Position

This position requires a highly skilled and motivated individual to support and advance high-throughput pre-clinical Quality Control (QC) workflows within Research Analytics. This role is critical to enabling robust, reproducible, and scalable analytical workflows that support method readiness, routine testing and release of both mRNA and Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) materials generated within Moderna’s Research environment. In this role, the individual will operate at the intersection of hands-on analytical testing, workflow execution, automation-enabled assay support, and cross-functional collaboration. The successful candidate will help execute, troubleshoot, and improve pre-clinical QC analytical workflows while supporting sample testing, data generation, documentation, and method implementation across a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Depending on experience, the individual will contribute as a strong technical contributor supporting multiple concurrent testing priorities while partnering with cross-functional stakeholders and teams across Research. Beyond the immediate responsibilities, the candidate will be provided additional opportunities to support non-QC workflows, pending candidate’s competencies and effectiveness in championing the QC arena. Success in this role requires strong scientific judgment, operational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver high-quality results under accelerated timelines.

Requirements

• B.S./B.A. 2+ years of experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioanalytical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline with relevant industry experience (2-5+ years for B.S.; 0-3+ years for Master’s).
• Hands-on experience executing analytical or bioanalytical assays in a quality-focused, or fast-paced research/technical operations environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality documentation, data integrity, and reproducible execution.
• Ability to independently execute experiments or testing workflows while managing multiple priorities and timelines.
• Experience analyzing, interpreting, documenting, and communicating technical data.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot laboratory methods, instrumentation, or workflow-related issues.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to operate with urgency, accountability, and transparency in a dynamic environment.

Nice To Haves

• M.S./M.A. 2+ years of experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioanalytical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline with relevant industry experience
• Expertise with high-throughput analytical or automated liquid handling workflows.
• Hands on experience using Hamilton liquid handlers or other automated handling platforms.
• Familiarity with analytical platforms such as LC-MS, HPLC/UPLC, RT-PCR, sequencing-based workflows endotoxin testing.
• Experience supporting QC, Analytical Development or high-throughput operations.
• Experience with sample management, plate-based workflows and high-volume testing execution.
• Demonstrated strength in project planning, prioritization, and stakeholder communication.
• Ability to identify workflow bottlenecks and propose practical improvements to increase efficiency, robustness, or scalability.
• Experience integrating automation or high-throughput approaches into assay workflows.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize technical data and communicate actionable recommendations.
• Comfort working in a highly collaborative, matrixed environment where priorities may shift quickly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize technical data and communicate actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Execute pre-clinical QC analytical workflows to support testing of mRNA and encapsulated mRNA materials in a high-throughput operations environment.
• Perform established analytical assays such as capillary electrophoresis, LC-MS, HPLC/UPLCDLS, RT-PCR and other platform methods as applicable.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and automated testing equipment, including Hamilton liquid handling systems, liquid chromatography systems, plate readers, and other analytical instrumentation.
• Prepare samples, reagents, and assay materials to support high-throughput testing workflows.
• Perform data analysis and documentation in accordance with internal procedures and data integrity expectations.
• Support assay troubleshooting, root cause evaluation, and workflow improvements to improve method robustness, reproducibility, and data turnaround time.
• Track sample testing progress using various digital systems and provide timely updates to project and functional stakeholders.
• Support investigations, deviations, and technical assessments by compiling data, summarizing observations, and presenting findings clearly.
• Author, revise, and maintain documentation including Research Operating Procedures, various data reports and summaries, as well as method execution and performance records.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on assay throughput, operational efficiency, sample flow, equipment utilization, and data quality.
• Maintain safe laboratory practices and comply with Moderna safety procedures, documentation standards, and quality expectations.
• Support general laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and coordination of supplies as needed.
• Capacity to multi-task and meet aggressive timelines.
• Demonstrate curiosity, accountability, and flexibility while working in a fast-paced, matrixed environment with evolving priorities.

Benefits

• Competitive healthcare, 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 investments to help you plan for the future
• Location-specific perks and extras

What This Job Offers

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