Senior Research Associate, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory, Immunoassays

The role

Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients.

This role is based in Harwell, where you will contribute to the advancement of Moderna’s clinical development programs through the delivery of high-quality immunoassay data that supports decision-making across multiple therapeutic areas.

As a key member of the Immunoassays group, you will support the development, qualification, validation, and execution of functional immunoassays and GCP clinical trial sample testing. Working in a highly collaborative laboratory environment, you will generate robust scientific data, contribute to assay innovation, and help ensure the successful delivery of clinical trial objectives.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Immunoassay UK, you will play an important role in maintaining scientific excellence, operational rigor, and regulatory compliance while partnering across multiple projects and stakeholders.

Here's What You’ll Do

• Support the development of immunoassays and GCP clinical trial sample testing across multiple therapeutic areas.

• Execute functional assay development, qualification, validation, and clinical sample analysis activities to support Moderna clinical trials.

• Design and conduct experiments, independently generating high-quality scientific data.

• Analyze experimental results, interpret findings, and communicate outcomes to broader scientific teams.

• Prepare experimental reports and contribute to the delivery of clear, accurate scientific documentation.

• Maintain and support cell culture laboratory operations to ensure efficient and compliant workflows.

• Under the guidance of the Scientific Lead, maintain the quality and integrity of assigned projects supporting clinical development programs.

• Deliver high-quality data within defined timelines while balancing the needs of multiple concurrent projects.

• Prepare media, chemicals, reagents, and associated materials required for assay execution.

• Maintain batch records and support laboratory documentation requirements.

• Assist with equipment maintenance activities and ensure laboratory instruments remain operational and compliant.

• Author experimental plans and reports where required.

• Draft, review, and contribute to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Identify, investigate, and resolve quality-related issues, escalating concerns to the Scientific Lead when appropriate.

• Take ownership of assigned laboratory responsibilities, including activities such as safety coordination, instrument ownership, process ownership, or technology stewardship.

• Ensure continuous compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain training records and ensure all required training remains current.

• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across projects, functions, and scientific disciplines.

• Support knowledge sharing within the team and, when appropriate, provide training and guidance to junior team members.

• Leverage digital and emerging technologies, including opportunities to engage with Generative AI-enabled scientific and operational tools, to enhance efficiency, data interpretation, and knowledge management.

• Spend the majority of working time (≥85%) within a laboratory environment conducting hands-on scientific activities.

• Support business and project needs through occasional overtime or weekend work when required.

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

• We obsess over learning. We don’t have to be the smartest, we have to learn the fastest.

• We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.

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

• BSC/MSc Degree in Biology, Biotechnology or biomedical scientists with laboratory research experience in a lab environment

• 2-3 years technical experience in assay development and functional assays preferred.

• Demonstrated level of independence and work ethics

• Good written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills

• Good computational skills, preferably experienced with Word, Excel, Power Point, GraphPad Prism

• Preferably knowledge of working in a regulated environment (GCP, GLP, ISO standards)

• Preferable experience with LIMS systems.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Competitive healthcare, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
• A holistic approach to well-being with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
• Family building benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investments to help you plan for the future
• 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 opportunity in employment 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 consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 

We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best. 

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodation 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]. 

-