Senior Research Associate - Clinical Biomarker Laboratory Flow Cytometry

The Role:

Joining Moderna offers the unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team that's revolutionizing medicine through mRNA technology with a diverse pipeline of development programs across various diseases. As an employee, you'll be part of a continually growing organization working alongside exceptional colleagues and strategic partners worldwide, contributing to global health initiatives. Moderna's commitment to advancing the technological frontier of mRNA medicines ensures a challenging and rewarding career experience with the potential to make a significant impact on patients' lives worldwide.

Moderna's mission is to establish a leading-edge research, development, and manufacturing facility at Harwell as part of a long-term commitment to onshore mRNA vaccine production for respiratory diseases. This initiative will create a multitude of highly skilled jobs and foster collaboration with academic, NHS, and government partners across the UK. We're looking for global experts eager to join us in this endeavor, contributing to a future where access to life-saving vaccines is a reality for all.

Moderna is seeking a talented and motivated Senior Research Associate to join the Clinical Flow Cytometry group. You will serve as a technical expert for generating high parameter flow cytometry data under GCLP guidelines to support clinical programs across multiple therapeutic areas. Working with a team of scientists, you will ensure the return of high-quality data for clinical trials conducted by Moderna. This includes developing cell-based flow cytometry assays, performing fit-for-purpose validations, and executing clinical sample testing. You will be integral in applying high parameter flow and complex assays to generate key clinical data that drives clinical trial decisions.

Here's What You'll Do:

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Execute clinical sample testing under GCLP guidelines, including:

  • Conduct ex vivo stimulation for functional profiling of immune responses on clinical trial samples using validated assays.

  • Perform high parameter immunophenotyping on PBMCs and whole blood samples.

  • Strict adherence to protocols related to technical details and documentation to ensure assay rigor and reproducibility.

  • Identify and resolve quality issues and escalate as necessary.

  • Document procedures using ELN and LIMS.

• Deliver high-quality data within defined timelines in alignment with current industry standards on data quality and integrity.

• Participate with the team in developing and validating high parameter spectral flow cytometry assays and applying them to clinical trial samples to generate key data.

• Process PBMCs and qualify cryopreserved PBMCs from clinical and vendor sites for high sample quality and integrity.

• Adhere to established experimental workflows and documentation procedures while working to improve processes for accuracy and efficiency.

• Run experiments independently from sample prep to acquisition, and accurately analyze flow cytometric data using FCSExpress and present such data.

Your responsibilities will also include:

• Work with the team to identify, feasibility test, and implement emerging laboratory techniques.

• Assist in general lab housekeeping and other shared duties to maintain safe lab practices and environment.

• Occasionally work overtime or weekend shifts, as needed.

The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:

• Prioritize the platform: Focus on delivering high-quality data that supports Moderna’s broader mission of advancing mRNA technology.

• Obsess over learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in flow cytometry and related fields to continuously improve your skills and knowledge.

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

• BA or MS in Immunology, Life Sciences, Biology, or related field; 3+ years lab experience

• Demonstratable experience in flow cytometry from sample processing and staining, through sample acquisition

• Knowledge of best practices in the use of flow cytometry to generate high quality data.

• Experience with cell culture, ex vivo assays.

• Experience in assessing cell-mediated immunity through flow cytometry: ex vivo stimulation of PBMC and intracellular cytokine staining for functional profiling is desired.

• In depth experience with PBMC processing is essential.

• Experience in a regulated lab is desired.

• Possess good computational skills, experienced with Microsoft office tools, and GraphPad Prism.

• Experience working independently on laboratory procedures and processes. 

• An effective communicator and collaborator within project teams with good written and presentation skills 

• Flexibility with changing priorities and urgent project requests. 

• This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Moderna offers personalized benefit programs and well-being resources as unique as our global workforce so employees can do their best work.

We recognize and appreciate your diverse needs and interests and do our best to support you at work and at home with:

• Quality healthcare and insurance benefits
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to create your own pathway to well-being
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Educational resources
• Savings and investments
• Location-specific perks and extras!

The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.

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 Work in the U.S.

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute and make a meaningful impact.

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free and drug-free work environment.

Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity are critical to the success of our company and our impact on society. We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees and believe that by cultivating diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we can provide an environment where every employee is able to contribute their best.

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should

contact the Accommodations and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.

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