Principal Research Associate, Process Development

The Role:
Moderna is seeking a Principal Research Associate to work with the Process Development and Protein Science groups. The Principal Research Associate will be responsible for developing bioanalytical enzyme assays, with an emphasis on LC-MS assays and/or plate-based fluorometric/colorimetric assays for enzymes with small-molecule substrates and cell-based assays for enzymes with protein substrates. This individual will work closely with colleagues in Technical Development and the Therapeutic Areas to develop and transfer methods that will ultimately be used in quality-controlled assays to characterize mRNA/LNP drug products.  In addition to designing and executing experiments, the candidate will interpret experimental findings and communicate results within and across teams.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Develop and validate LC-MS-based enzyme activity assays for the detection of small molecules.

• Develop and validate plate-based fluorometric/colorimetric assays for the detection of small molecules.

• Develop and validate cell-based assays for enzymes with protein substrates.

• Document experiments clearly and thoroughly in lab notebooks, protocols, and white papers, to enable effective transfer of assays between groups.

• Work closely with therapy area colleagues across Moderna and with Technical Development to transfer methods for use in quality control assays (biochemical and cell-based).

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

• MS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Engineering (or a related field) with 3–5 years industry experience, or BA/BS with 5–10 years industry experience

• Experience with LC-MS and LC-MS/MS methods development

• Experience with plate-based fluorometric/colorimetric assay development

• Preferred: experience with enzyme kinetics

• Preferred: experience with cell culture and cell-based assays

• Ability to work independently on complex experiments

• Ability to collaborate closely with multiple cross-functional project teams

• Ability to multi-task to meet technology development and research goals

• Strong quantitative analysis skills as well as excellent written and oral communication

• Adherence to industry best practices for data documentation

• Candidate will be curious in understanding key scientific questions and tailoring analytical assays to answer them, and bold in trying new analytical approaches. Will work collaboratively with multifunctional teams and will be relentless in solving technical problems of separation and detection.

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 Fast Compa