Sr. Research Associate,NGS platform Job Cambridge area,Massachusetts USA,Research/Development

In this role, you will be a key contributor within the Genome Sciences team, supporting efforts across Moderna’s mRNA platform to advance therapeutic programs and impact patients.

This team operates in a hybrid model – a centralized genomics platform with the flexibility to embed within project teams as needed – supporting work that ranges from single-sample, high-complexity studies to high-throughput production workflows.

We operate with a shared ownership mindset: collective responsibility for platform success, paired with individual ownership of execution, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate brings strong molecular biology expertise, hands‑on NGS experience, and a collaborative, shared‑ownership mindset, with the ability to independently troubleshoot, adapt, and scale assays in a fast‑paced environment. Experience with downstream molecular and/or cell‑based assays is a plus.

Here’s What You Will Do

Own nucleic acid extraction workflows from diverse samples, leveraging automated liquid handling systems
Ensure sample quality through accurate quantification, qualification, and normalization
Prepare RNA and DNA sequencing libraries using kit-based and custom workflows
Perform library QC, pooling, and sequencing setup for Illumina and Nanopore platforms
Operate and maintain sequencing instruments to ensure consistent performance and uptime
Troubleshoot workflow issues, identify and communicate root causes, and implement improvements
Adapt workflows to project needs across low-throughput and high-throughput scales
Contribute to development, optimization, and scaling of NGS workflows and lab processes
Deliver high-quality, reproducible data that rightly balances fast turnaround time and experimental rigor
Analyze and interpret QC metrics and experimental data; communicate results to stakeholders
Collaborate with computational and experimental teams to ensure data quality and usability
Maintain clear, accurate documentation in LIMS and ELN systems
Contribute to team success through shared ownership, collaboration, and gap‑filling where needed
Support buildout and continuous improvement of NGS infrastructure and workflows

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

BS/BA in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience in an NGS‑focused lab (academic, core facility, or industry)
Hands‑on experience with sequencing library preparation and strong foundation in molecular biology techniques
Experience operating standard NGS instrumentation, such as:

Nanodrop, Qubit, fragment analysis instruments
Liquid handlers (e.g., Echo, Mantis, or Hamilton)
qPCR and/or ddPCR systems
Illumina and/or Nanopore sequencing platforms

Demonstrated ability to independently execute and troubleshoot workflows with minimal oversight
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple workflows in parallel
Ability to take ownership of work while contributing to a highly collaborative team environment
Effective communication and collaboration skills for cross‑functional science
Proven passion for high‑quality, reproducible data
This position is site‑based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full‑time. This position is not eligible for remote work
At Moderna, we are focused on delivering on our mission by enabling talent to thrive. For this role, we are currently unable to offer immigration sponsorship. Candidates must already hold work authorization in US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship

Here’s

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

BS/BA in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience in an NGS‑focused lab (academic, core facility, or industry)
Experience working across varying scales of experimentation (low‑throughput to high‑throughput)
Experience with complex workflows (e.g., low‑input samples, automation, single‑cell genomics)
Experience interpreting sequencing QC metrics and data quality outputs
Experience supporting drug development or platform‑based research programs
Experience contributing to assay development, optimization, or technology evaluation
A desire to…

Sr. Research Associate, NGS platform