Principal Research Associate, Specification Testing

The Role:

Joining Moderna offers the unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team that's revolutionizing medicine through mRNA technology with a diverse pipeline of development programs across various diseases. As an employee, you'll be part of a continually growing organization working alongside exceptional colleagues and strategic partners worldwide, contributing to global health initiatives. Moderna's commitment to advancing the technological frontier of mRNA medicines ensures a challenging and rewarding career experience with the potential to make a significant impact on patients' lives worldwide.

Moderna is enhancing its global footprint in Tokyo, a city known for its blend of tradition and innovation. Our new office here will focus on bringing our advanced mRNA products to the Japanese market. Nestled in the heart of Tokyo's vibrant landscape, we're looking to integrate into the local biotech scene while contributing our global expertise. We welcome professionals who are passionate about making a difference in healthcare to join our team. Here you'll be part of a community dedicated to simple yet profound goals: enhancing health outcomes and providing cutting-edge treatments in Japan. Join us in Tokyo where your efforts will help shape the future of medicine in an environment that values both tradition and innovation.

Join our Tokyo-based team as a Principal Research Associate in Moderna Enzymatics. You will play a critical role in our R&D and manufacturing operations, focusing on developing and evaluating essential enzymes and related DNA and RNA. Your work will directly contribute to synthesizing DNA templates for mRNA production, crucial for our innovative mRNA technology. This role is perfect for someone passionate about biological and biochemical analysis, keen to drive quality assurance and eager to be at the forefront of groundbreaking biotechnological advancements.

Here's What You'll Do:

Within 3 Months, You Will…

Conduct biological and biochemical analysis and activity checks of enzymes. Start developing new evaluation systems for enzymes, including necessary documentation. Begin biochemical analysis of DNA and RNA samples.

Within 6 Months, You Will…

• Enhance enzyme evaluation methods and contribute to the continuous improvement of testing processes.

• Collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, integrating your enzyme expertise with wider R&D efforts.

• Take part in lab operations beyond experimental work, contributing to safety initiatives and overall lab efficiency.

Within 12 Months, You Will…

• Lead projects in enzyme analysis and evaluation, showcasing an advanced understanding of Moderna’s technological needs.

• Mentor junior team members in enzyme analysis techniques and lab procedures.

• Contribute significantly to the supply chain of high-performance, high-quality enzymes to our United States facilities.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• Master's degree or higher in biology or chemistry

• 1 to 2 years of company experience. Anyone who has been involved in genetic or biological quality control or analysis in a pharmaceutical company is welcome.

• An understanding of the significance of working in a company and a positive attitude toward working in a company

• Being cooperative, able to listen and collaborative in solving problems

• A willingness to work positively and aggressively in a challenging environment

• Willing to cooperate in lab operations beyond experimental work (for example, safety initiatives)

• Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 2 or above

• Ability to understand original articles and English protocols

• Experience in measuring the activity of proteins is preferred

• Molecular biological techniques such as PCR, DNA cloning, E. coli culture and transformation, and plasmid DNA purification

• Experience in analyzing DNA, RNA, enzymes, etc. using qPCR equipment, plate readers, etc.

• Experience in preparing samples for NGS is preferred

• Willingness to repeat experiments that require high reproducibility

• Familiarity with handling minute samples

Job Description： 研究員（酵素・DNA・RNAの分析、研究開発）

当社の研究開発および製造業務において、技術の基盤となる酵素、および関連するDNA、RNAの分析および評価系の構築を担う方を募集します。当社で生産される酵素はアメリカの研究所・生産工場にてmRNAの鋳型となるDNAの合成に用いられます。その酵素を適確な分析法を用いて試験を行い、アメリカへ高性能・高品質の酵素を供給する業務を行います。また、当社の製造する酵素などの品質を正しく評価できる分析方法などの開発に携わっていただきます。

職務内容

• 酵素の生物学的・生化学的分析・活性評価

• 酵素の新規評価系開発・ドキュメント作成

• DNA・RNAの生化学的分析

• その他酵素評価に関与する業務

必要とされる経験と能力

• 生物系・化学系大学の修士卒以上

• 企業経験1～2年（製薬関連の企業において、遺伝子もしくはバイオ系の品質管理業務、分析業務に携わった方は歓迎）

• 企業で働く意義を理解し、企業で働くことに対して前向きな姿勢であること

• 協調性、傾聴する能力、課題解決に対して協力的であること

• チャレンジングな環境でも前向き且つ積極的に仕事に取り組む向上心があること

• 実験業務以外のラボ運営に協力的であること（例えば安全への取り組み）

　＜語学＞

• 日本語検定2級以上又はそれと同等の日本語力

• 原著論文・英語のプロトコールを理解できること

　＜実験＞

• タンパク質の活性測定の経験があると良し

• PCR、DNAクローニング、大腸菌培養・形質転換、プラスミドDNA精製などの分子生物学的な技術

• qPCR装置、プレートリーダーなどの装置を用いてDNA、RNA、酵素などの分析経験

• NGS用サンプル調製の経験があると良し

• 高い再現性が求められる実験を繰り返し行うことを厭わないこと

• 微量のサンプルを扱うことに慣れていること

Moderna offers personalized benefit programs and well-being resources as unique as our global workforce so employees can do their best work.

We recognize and appreciate your diverse needs and interests and do our best to support you at work and at home with:

• Quality healthcare and insurance benefits
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to create your own pathway to well-being
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Educational resources
• Savings and investments
• Location-specific perks and extras!

The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.

About Moderna

Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world. 

By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities.
We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S.

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute and make a meaningful impact.
If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free and drug-free work environment.

Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity are critical to the success of our company and our impact on society. We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees and believe that by cultivating diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we can provide an environment where every employee is able to contribute their best.

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should

contact the Accommodations and Adjustments team at [email protected].

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