Sr. Research Associate, Protein Design

ModernaTX • Cambridge, MA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Moderna is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join the Protein Design team at its Cambridge, MA site. This role will support protein expression, purification, and biophysical characterization efforts for Infectious Disease Research vaccine and therapeutic programs. The successful candidate will contribute to the discovery and development of vaccine antigens and therapeutic proteins by leveraging expertise in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and analytical characterization. The candidate will be responsible for executing protein production workflows in both mammalian and bacterial (E. coli) expression systems, optimizing purification processes, and applying a broad range of biochemical and biophysical techniques to evaluate protein quality, stability, and function. This role requires strong technical expertise, attention to detail, scientific curiosity, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to advance multiple research programs in a fast-paced and highly innovative environment. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge vaccine and therapeutic development while generating high-quality experimental data that enables critical program decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Protein Engineering, Chemical Biology, or a related scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression in both mammalian and bacterial (E. coli) systems.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Protein Engineering, Chemical Biology, or a related scientific discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with protein purification workflows and operation of FPLC systems.
• Experience with biochemical and biophysical characterization methods including SDS-PAGE, western blotting, SEC-MALS, DSC, DSF, BLI, Mass Photometry, or related techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and optimize protein expression, purification, and characterization workflows.
• Experience analyzing protein quality, stability, aggregation, and biomolecular interactions.
• Strong quantitative data analysis and scientific problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities in a collaborative, cross-functional research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize recombinant protein expression workflows in mammalian and bacterial (E. coli) expression systems.
• Perform transient mammalian cell culture and transfection for protein production.
• Conduct recombinant protein purification using chromatography-based methods including affinity, ion exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography utilizing FPLC systems.
• Support development and optimization of expression, purification, and formulation conditions for challenging proteins and complex antigens.
• Characterize proteins using biochemical and biophysical techniques including SDS-PAGE, western blotting, SEC-MALS, DSC, DSF, BLI, Mass Photometry, and flow cytometry-based approaches.
• Evaluate protein purity, stability, oligomeric state, aggregation, and biomolecular interactions to support candidate assessment and advancement.
• Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data and communicate findings through presentations, technical reports, and project team discussions.
• Develop and implement AI-assisted workflows for high-throughput protein screening and characterization.
• Leverage AI to accelerate analysis of protein screening datasets and identify high-performing candidates.
• Collaborate closely with scientists and cross-functional teams to support project goals, timelines, and deliverables.
• Identify technical challenges and troubleshoot protein expression, purification, and characterization workflows.
• Support implementation and evaluation of new protein production and characterization technologies to improve workflow efficiency.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and support inventory management, reagent tracking, and logistics coordination for partnered programs.

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: Mid Level