Senior Research Associate, Analytical Development

The Role

Moderna is seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA) to join the Analytical Development  team in Norwood, MA. This individual will play a critical role in developing, optimizing, and implementing advanced analytical methods that support Moderna’s expanding therapeutic and vaccine portfolio. The successful candidate will generate high-quality data to drive method development, process understanding, and analytical readiness across new programs and manufacturing platforms.
The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. This role requires strong technical skills in chromatography, spectroscopy, and separation sciences, along with the ability to manage multiple projects and communicate effectively with cross-functional partners in Analytical Development, Process Development, and Quality.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute analytical methods (e.g., HPLC, CE, UV/Vis spectroscopy, ddPCR..) to characterize and assess Moderna’s mRNA and LNP-based products.

• Support analytical roadmap implementation, including next-generation methods such as MAM, high-throughput spectroscopy, and advanced separation tools.

• Generate feasibility data and contribute to method development and optimization for novel platforms (e.g., T-cell LNP, meDNA, plasmid manufacturing, oncology programs).

• Conduct bridging studies between legacy and optimized methods, supporting comparability and qualification activities for analytical deep-dive remediation.

• Prepare and analyze samples for method development, qualification support, and technology transfer to Quality Control (QC) and Analytical Technical Operation (ATO).

• Document experimental work in electronic lab notebooks and author technical reports, summaries, and method implementation documents.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with PD and MS&T to ensure analytical readiness for process innovation and scale-up.

• Maintain a strong focus on quality and data integrity, ensuring compliance with internal standards and regulatory expectations.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table

• BS degree with ≥5 years of relevant industry experience in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related discipline.

• Hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, CE, UV/Vis, spectroscopy, ddPCR, and/or MAM workflows.

• Proven ability to perform method development, troubleshooting, and data analysis in support of biologics, RNA, or complex formulations.

• Familiarity with LNP characterization or nucleic acid-based analytical methods is a plus.

• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

• Excellent organizational and multitasking ability in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Highly motivated, scientifically curious, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.

• At Moderna, we are focused on delivering on our mission by enabling talent to thrive. For this role, we are currently unable to offer immigration sponsorship. Candidates must already hold work authorization in US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class healthcare coverage, 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 investment opportunities to help you plan for the future

• Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $74,000.00 - $118,400.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

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. 

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. 

Our Working Model 

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. 

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

Equal Opportunities

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.  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 an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 

Accommodations

We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best. 

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation 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 team at [email protected]. 

Export Control Notice

This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.

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