Senior Research Associate, Bioanalytical & Molecular Assays – Ligand Binding Assays

Overview

In this role you contribute to the development, validation, and execution of bioanalytical assays to support pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity endpoints for novel mRNA-derived proteins. You will operate in a fast-paced laboratory, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver high-quality data for clinical programs. You’ll work with cross-functional partners and leverage evolving digital tools to optimize scientific workflows. The opportunity centers on advancing de novo assays for innovative mRNA medicines within Moderna’s mission-driven environment.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive healthcare
• well-being resources (fitness, mindfulness, mental health)
• family building benefits
• generous paid time off
• discretionary year-end shutdown
• savings and investments

Responsibilities

• Support development, optimization, and validation of ligand-binding and cell-based assays for pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity endpoints
• Perform clinical sample testing across biological matrices under GcLP and using Thermo Watson LIMS
• Deliver assay development and validation activities on schedule aligned with key program milestones
• Maintain accurate documentation in electronic lab notebooks
• Support generation, characterization, and control of critical reagents
• Contribute to laboratory operations to ensure efficiency and regulatory compliance
• Prepare SOPs, technical reports, and data presentations
• Review data and reports to ensure regulatory compliance and data quality
• Support procurement, qualification, and implementation of analytical equipment
• Collaborate with Clinical Operations and Sample Management on end-to-end clinical sample journey
• Develop lab manuals supporting clinical sample management and testing
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performance team developing de novo bioanalytical assays for novel mRNA-derived proteins

Key requirements

• BA/BS in biological science with minimum 5 years of industry Biotech/pharmaceutical/CRO experience; MS with 3+ years of experience
• Experience with Ligand Binding and/or Cell Based Assays required
• Preferred: PK, ADA, or nAb assay experience
• Preferred: regulated environment (GLP, GcLP, GMP) experience
• Strong attention to detail, multitasking, and collaboration skills
• Effective communication of objectives, data analysis, and findings to teams
• Knowledge of GcLP requirements and current regulatory trends in analytical science
• Experience with Watson LIMS and LabVantage eLBN is a plus
• Desire to contribute in a high-growth, transformational company with Moderna values

• attention to detail
• effective communication
• team collaboration
• Ligand Binding assays
• Cell-based assays
• GcLP/GLP/GMP awareness

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