Sr. Research Associate, Cancer Vaccine Research – Immunology and Flow Cytometry

The Role:

Moderna is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Research Associate (SRA) with a strong background in immunology and flow cytometry to join the Cancer Vaccine Research (CVR) group. In addition to deep understanding and hands-on experience in high-parameter spectral flow cytometry, this role requires proven expertise in primary mouse and human immune cell functional assays.  The SRA will be an integral part in building and applying high parameter flow cytometry and complex immune assays to generate key data to drive program/project decisions.

Here's What You’ll Do: 

• Develop high parameter spectral flow cytometry assays to assess mouse and human immune cell phenotype and function.

• Establish rigorous sample processing workflows and data analysis pipelines to achieve high measurement precision with minimal non-biological data variation.

• Independently plan/execute experiments and perform data analysis.

• Troubleshoot experiments and diligently record results in electronic lab notebook.

• Serve as a technical expert for flow cytometry assay development, execution, instrument QC and maintenance, training, and governance.

• Employ strategies for high parameter flow cytometry data analysis using OMIQ and FlowJo.

• Establish and perform orthogonal immune cell functional assays to support flow cytometry data, such as MSD, EliSpot/FluoroSpot and co-culture assays.

• Perform high-parameter cell sorting experiments.

• Assist in establishing SOPs for functional immune assays.

• Collaborate with multiple teams to achieve shared project goals.

• Maintain and support safe lab practices and environment.

• Faithfully document scientific work and contribute to reports, presentations, and regulatory submissions

Here’s What You’ll Need (Minimum Qualifications):

• BA/BS degree in Immunology, Life Sciences, Biology, or related field with experience in flow cytometry.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with primary immune cells and cell-based assays with at least 2 of those years in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry.

• Expertise in conventional and spectral flow cytometry and cell sorting, preferably using human samples.

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

• Experience performing immune assays. Prior experience in preparing human samples for high parameter flow cytometry analysis, cell sorting for downstream single cell sequencing is highly preferred.

• Expertise in cell-based immune assays.

• Primary cell isolation and culture, particularly for human T/B and dendritic cells is highly preferred.

• Experience designing and testing high-parameter flow cytometry assays (intracellular cytokine staining, cytokine bead array, ELISA, cell sorting, etc.).

• In depth expertise using flow cytometers such as Cytek Aurora, BD Fortessa/Symphony and cell sorting using Cytek CS/BD Symphony platforms.

• Experience and deep understanding of flow cytometry data analysis software OMIQ is high preferred.

• Flexibility with changing priorities and urgent project requests.

• Applicants should be highly collaborative team players, excellent communicators and have a demonstrable track record of research accomplishments.

• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

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 servic