Sr. Research Associate, Protein Design

The Role

Moderna is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join the Protein Design team at its Cambridge, MA site. This role will primarily support protein expression screening and characterization for the Infectious Disease Research. The candidate will be responsible for utilizing mammalian cell culture techniques for protein expression, applying chromatographic methods for protein purification, and performing biophysical characterization of proteins to support the development of vaccines and therapeutics.

Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills are essential, as the candidate will align on project goals and deliver high-quality results to drive the progress of multiple research programs. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge vaccine and therapeutic development in a fast-paced and innovative environment.

Here's What You’ll Do

• Mammalian cell culture and protein expression primarily in mammalian cells;
• Protein purification by chromatography-based methods (affinity, ion exchange, size-exclusion, use of FPLC systems for semi-automated purifications)
• Testing and optimizing expression/purification conditions
• Characterization of proteins by standard biochemical and biophysical techniques (SDS-PAGE, western blots, DSC, DSF, SEC-MALS)
• Manage an inventory of laboratory reagents and support logistics of external receipts/shipping for partnered programs
• Interpret, summarize, and present experimental data and results at group meetings, project meetings and department meetings
• Assess protein expression via flow cytometry-based approaches
• Experience with techniques such as BLI and SPR to study biomolecular interactions
• Experience working with or knowledge of viral vaccine antigens
• Research and develop new protein purification methods, and scout other enabling technologies to facilitate production of difficult-to-express proteins
• Effectively communicate project goals, timelines, progress, and results across functional groups
• Use Agentic AI approaches to assist data analysis, organization, and presentation
• Manage an inventory of laboratory reagents and support logistics of external receipts/shipping for partnered programs
• Interpret, summarize, and present experimental data and results at group meetings, project meetings and department meetings

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 1+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture techniques for protein expression.
• Proficiency in standard methods for recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Experience operating and performing basic maintenance on FPLC systems.
• Familiarity with biophysical characterization techniques for proteins.
• Ability to work on multiple collaborative projects in a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong multi-tasking skills to support technology development and research objectives.
• Solid quantitative analysis skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Prior co-op or internship experience in a protein biochemistry laboratory is preferred

Pay & Benefits

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

• Best-in-class healthcare coverage, 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 investment opportunities to help you plan for the future

• Location-specific perks and extras