Sr. Scientist, Genetic Assays

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 an experienced Genetic Assay Senior Scientist to join the Bioanalysis and Molecular Assays (BMA) team. This role integrates basic science research, bioanalysis, genomics, and informatics to propel programs into the clinic, while also leveraging clinical findings to uncover novel opportunities for Moderna’s pipeline.

In this position, you will be responsible for designing and executing molecular biology assays to support pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis, ensuring assay timelines align with program goals, and troubleshooting any issues. You’ll also play a key role in reviewing data and ensuring that both internal and external laboratories meet the highest regulatory and scientific standards. With the responsibility of facilitating internal and external mRNA-based bioanalytical capabilities, you’ll also be involved in critical tasks such as SOP maintenance and reagent control. Close collaboration with clinical operations and sample management teams will be vital as you shape the bioanalytical framework for clinical success.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Design and execute molecular biology assays, including genomic DNA and RNA isolation, qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS sequencing.
• Ensure timely assay development and validation for clinical use, maintaining GcLP compliance and troubleshooting as necessary.
• Review raw data, analytical reports, and assay validation reports, ensuring laboratories meet regulatory and scientific standards.
• Establish and develop mRNA-based bioanalytical capabilities, supporting method development for Moderna’s portfolio.
  
  
  

Your responsibilities will also include:

• Oversee the procurement and qualification of analytical equipment and ensure SOPs are in place.
• Stay updated on the latest clinical trial conduct regulations, including GLP, GCP, and internal SOPs.
• Collaborate with clinical operations and sample management teams to develop laboratory manuals and define the sample journey.
  
  
  

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

• Prioritize the platform: You will focus on building bioanalytical capabilities that support Moderna's platform technologies, ensuring consistency across various programs.
• Question convention: As an expert in genetic assays, you will challenge established methodologies and explore innovative approaches to enhance Moderna’s bioanalytical capabilities. You will continuously seek new ways to improve and adapt within a rapidly changing scientific landscape.
  
  
  

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

• A Ph.D. in genetic assays from the following areas: infectious disease, immuno-oncology, immunology, Cancer Biology, or related fields and a minimum of 7 years of industry biotech/pharmaceutical experience. B.S./M.S. with a minimum of 9 years of bioanalytical and GcLP/GLP experience are considered
• Experience with bioanalysis, biologics and cell therapy preferred
• Expert knowledge of nucleic acid manipulation, qPCR, RT-qPCR, ddPCR, RT-ddPCR, RNA/DNA NGS sequencing and other methodologies for preclinical and clinical assays, in particular, qPCR/RT-qPCR assay design, optimization, validation and troubleshooting
• Experience with LIMS and eLN a plus.
• Working knowledge of the translational literature and competitive landscape in the ASO field.
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts, program objectives, data analysis within a matrix environment.
• Knowledge of GcLP requirements and understanding of current industry trends and regulatory expectations associated with analytical science.
• This role is expected to be in office 70% of the time with flexibility to work from home up to 30%.
  
  
  

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 [email protected].

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