Principal Research Associate, Technical Development Operations

The Role

In this role, you will have the exciting opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art lab that leverages automation, robotics and digital infrastructure in the newly established Sequencing Center of Excellence.  The Principal Research Associate will serve as a leading role and mentor junior members. The ideal candidate brings extensive hands-on experience with various sequencing and associated molecular biology techniques, has been working in a high-throughput sequencing laboratory, and shows confident leading a team. 

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Serve as technical expert on sequencing techniques, help building and managing a robust team that supports thousands of samples a day.

• Ensure delivery of high-quality and timely data for enabling research and development applications

• Lead troubleshooting and CAPA projects to continuously improve processes.

• Play a critical role in the translation of manual assay workflows to automated workflows using liquid handlers, robotic arms, and digital integration, in collaboration with Moderna digital & automation teams.

• Additional duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• MS with at least 2 years or BS with at least 5 years of relevant industry experience in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or closely related field.

• Extensive hands-on experience with sequencing and other molecular biology techniques, including Sanger Sequencing, Illumina NGS library prep, qPCR, and equipment (ABI 3500, 3730, MiSeq, NextSeq, NovaSeq, TapeStation, Lightcycler, QuantStudio, plate readers, plate washers etc).

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• BS with 6+ years or MS with 4+ years of experience in a GLP or similar analytical testing lab with high sequencing capacity

• Experience with liquid handlers (Hamilton STAR, Vantage, Echo525, etc) and/ or robotic solutions (HiRes, Biosero, etc) strongly preferred.

• Detailed understanding of current and new sequencing technologies data structure and output mechanism.

• Experience with programing language and/or other digital/informatics tools strongly preferred.

• Strong written and verbal scientific and technical communication skills.

• Proven track record of organizational and time management skills required to meet tight deadlines.

• 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 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 Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to W