Principal Research Associate, Cancer Vaccines Research

The Role

Moderna is committed to harnessing the power of mRNA technology to revolutionize cancer immunotherapy. We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Principal Research Associate to support the advancement of our cancer vaccine platform through pre-clinical studies. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge pipeline through hands-on in vitro and in vivo experimentation, with a focus on deep immune profiling.

The successful candidate will bring substantial experience in flow cytometry and cellular immunology, with the ability to independently execute, troubleshoot, and refine immune-based assays. This role requires scientific curiosity, flexibility, and a strong collaborative spirit. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to design, implement, and analyze experiments that inform cancer vaccine discovery and development.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Develop, optimize, and execute primary immune cell-based assays using mouse and human samples to evaluate responses to mRNA-based cancer vaccines with minimal guidance.

• Design and implement high-parameter flow cytometry panels for in-depth immune profiling; analyze and interpret complex cytometry data.

• Isolate and culture immune cell subsets from blood, tumors, and lymphoid tissues using standard and novel techniques.

• Contribute to the design of preclinical in vivo tumor regression studies and participate in immunogenicity assays to assess vaccine mechanisms of action.

• Execute and adapt protocols with minimal guidance; troubleshoot and incorporate new techniques by reviewing current literature.

• Collaborate across functional teams to plan studies, interpret results, and share findings through presentations and written reports.

• Assist junior team members with experiment design and protocol optimization.

• Maintain rigorous documentation and contribute to regulatory filings and project deliverables.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table

• Minimal qualifications: BS with 5+ years of relevant experience or MS with 2+ years in immunology, immuno-oncology, cancer biology, or related fields.

• Strong preference for industry experience supporting immunology-focused drug discovery or translational research.

• Independent proficiency in high-parameter flow cytometry (including intracellular cytokine staining); experience with BD and/or Cytek platforms preferred.

• Proven expertise in ex vivo functional assays, including flow cytometry, ELISpot, ELISA, and reporter-based systems.

• Hands-on experience with immune cell isolation and culture from both human and murine sources.

• Experience with genome editing workflows using CRISPR-Cas9 and/or lentiviral systems in mammalian cells preferred.

• Familiarity with in vivo models of cancer and/or immunization, including immune organ and tissue collection, processing, and related immune function assays.

• Strong critical thinking and communication skills with the ability to proactively identify and address experimental challenges.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while maintaining attention to detail and scientific rigor.

• 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.

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 a suite of voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
• A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to personalize your well-being journey
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investment opportunities
• 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.