Senior Research Associate, Therapeutics Translational Research

The Role:

Moderna is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Research Associate (SRA) with a strong background in immunology and spectral flow cytometry to join the Therapeutics Translation Research (TxTR), Experimental Immunology group. This role requires hands-on expertise in complex immune profiling and functional assays using primary human immune cells. The successful candidate will play a critical role in assay development, execution, and data generation to support key program and project decisions.

Here's What You’ll Do: 

• Design and execute high-parameter spectral flow cytometry assays to characterize human immune cell phenotypes and functions.

• Develop and implement robust sample processing workflows and data analysis pipelines to minimize technical variation.

• Perform and analyze experiments independently; troubleshoot and document results in an electronic lab notebook.

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

• Act as a technical lead for cytometry assay development, QC and instrument maintenance.

• Analyze high-dimensional flow cytometry data using tools such as OMIQ.

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

• Conduct high-parameter spectral cell sorting for downstream applications, including single-cell sequencing.

• Help draft and optimize SOPs for immune assays.

• Collaborate across cross-functional teams and contribute to regulatory submissions, reports, and presentations.

• Promote a safe, compliant, and organized lab environment.

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

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

• BA/BS in Immunology, Biology, Life Sciences, or related field with 2+ years of experience.

• Minimum 1 year of hands-on experience with primary human immune cells and functional assays; industry experience is highly preferred.

• Proven expertise in spectral and conventional flow cytometry and cell sorting, ideally with human samples.

• Familiarity with mRNA therapeutics is a plus.

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

• Deep experience in immunoassays and primary human immune cell processing, especially T cells.

• Proficiency in high-parameter flow cytometry assay development and readouts (e.g., ICS, cytokine bead arrays, ELISAs).

• Extensive hands-on use of Cytek Aurora and Cytek CS instruments.

• Strong skills in flow cytometry data analysis, particularly using OMIQ.

• Prior experience with cell sorting for downstream single-cell applications is highly preferred.

• Excellent collaboration, communication, and organizational skills.

• A growth mindset and passion for contributing to a transformational, high-impact biotech environment.

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

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 recharg