Principal Research Associate, Chemistry

The Role:

Moderna is seeking a highly qualified and motivated Principal Research Associate to help evolve Moderna’s proprietary mRNA delivery platforms.   The ideal candidate for this role will be responsible for the timely synthesis, purification, and characterization of project compounds, and will be expected to regularly present findings and project updates to managers and peers.  She/he/they will be accountable for delivering work as an individual contributor and contribute to team discussions concerning project direction, prioritization of targets, and synthetic route design.  Applicants should be team players able to excel in a highly collaborative and fast paced environment.

Here's What You’ll Do:

• Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize project compounds in a timely, efficient manner

• Independently incorporate published methods as well as personal experience into synthetic planning and work

• Acts as an informal leader in the laboratory

• Accurately maintain a high-quality laboratory notebook in accordance with required standards and write detailed experimental results for patent filings

• Routinely present experimental results and project progress to managers and peers

• Contribute to discussions of project direction, prioritization of targets, and route design

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

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years OR master’s degree with 2+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience in the synthesis of small organic compounds across a range of chemistries.

• Expert level proficiency with a range of chemical characterization and purification techniques, including but not limited to:  NMR, HPLC (analytical and preparative), Mass Spectrometry, IR, silica gel and reverse phase chromatography, TLC, recrystallization

• Experience with bioconjugation techniques desired

• Familiarity with medicinal chemistry concepts (SAR, physicochemical properties, pharmacology, etc.)

• Ability to self-manage time and efforts against competing priorities

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills

• Flexible and adaptable to frequent change

• This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Moderna is pleased to provide you and your family with a comprehensive and innovative suite of benefits, including:

• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
• Lifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activities
• Family care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoring
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes 
• Exclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipment
• Adoption and family-planning benefits
• Dedicated care coordination support for our LGBTQ+ community
• Generous paid time off, including:
  •    Vacation, sick time and holidays
  •    Volunteer time to participate within your community
  •    Discretionary year-end shutdown
  •    Paid sabbatical after 5 years; every 3 years thereafter
• Generous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents
• 401k match and Financial Planning tools
• Moderna-paid Life, LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit options
• Complimentary concierge service including home services research, travel booking, and entertainment requests
• Free parking or subsidized commuter passes
• Location-specific perks and extras!

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 Fa