Research Associate - Analytical Technical Operations

The Role
The Analytical Technical Operations (ATO) team seeks a motivated contingent worker with hands-on experience in analytical chemistry to support CMC Development programs. This laboratory-based role will focus heavily on the execution of analytical testing to support process development, characterization, and data generation across Moderna’s pipeline. This is an onsite role based in Moderna’s Technology Center campus in Norwood, MA.

This position will require you to be responsible for operating and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation including LC systems, plate readers, qPCR instruments, and liquid handlers. Experience with laboratory automation and high-throughput workflows is a plus. This position requires strong attention to detail, sound scientific judgment, and the ability to deliver reliable data with rapid turnaround times. You will be part of a fast-paced environment that values technical rigor, collaboration, and curiosity. The ideal candidate will have experience with chromatographic, molecular biology, and biophysical characterization techniques and will contribute directly to the generation of high-quality analytical data.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Prepare samples, execute analytical testing, and perform routine data analysis with rapid turnaround times.
• Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation including, but not limited to: UPLC/HPLC, LC/MS, LC/CAD, qPCR, DLS, plate readers, and liquid handlers.
• Perform peer data review and support interpretation of results.
• Assist with method troubleshooting and routine laboratory equipment troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with process development colleagues to communicate analytical results and observations.
• Support high-throughput testing workflows and routine laboratory operations.
• Contribute to method optimization efforts under the guidance of senior team members.
• Execute improvement initiatives to enhance lab efficiency and analytical performance.
• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation of experiments.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and standard operating procedures in the laboratory.

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

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience: Minimum 0–2 years of experience in analytical chemistry, process development, technical operations, or related laboratory environment.
• Foundational understanding of chromatography and analytical characterization techniques.
• Knowledge of good laboratory practices and documentation standards.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience with chromatography techniques including IEX and RP separations with UV, MS, or CAD detection.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as ELISA and qPCR.
• Familiarity with biophysical characterization techniques such as DLS.
• Exposure to integrated laboratory automation platforms (Hamilton, Tecan, Echo).
• Experience with laboratory software systems including Chromeleon (or similar LC software), QuantStudio, LIMS, ELN, and Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Motivated, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced setting.

Our Working Model
As we build our company, we have always believed that an in-person culture is critical to our success. This role is 100% onsite, reflecting the importance of being physically present to support the work, collaborate closely with colleagues, and contribute to our site-based operations.

Working onsite enables real-time collaboration, strong team connections, direct mentorship, and the hands-on partnership needed to deliver our mission. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.

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

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 planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, 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 salary range for this role is $63,200.00 - $100,900.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

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. 

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. 

Equal Opportunities

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.  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 an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 

Accommodations

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 accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation 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 team at [email protected]. 

Export Control Notice
This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Only U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are currently eligible to access such information without an export license. Candidates who do not meet these criteria may still be considered, contingent on the company’s ability to obtain any required export control license.


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