Sr. Research Associate, Protein Design

Role Overview

The role, Senior Research Associate, will join the Protein Design team at Moderna’s Cambridge, MA site. This role will support protein expression screening and characterization for the Infectious Disease Research program, utilizing mammalian cell culture techniques for protein expression, chromatographic methods for purification, and biophysical characterization of proteins to support the development of vaccines and therapeutics.

• Mammalian cell culture and protein expression
• Protein purification by chromatography-based methods (affinity, ion exchange, size‑exclusion, use of FPLC systems for semi‑automated purifications)
• Testing and optimizing expression and purification conditions
• Characterization of proteins by standard biochemical and biophysical techniques (SDS‑PAGE, western blot, DSC, DSF, SEC‑MALS)
• Managing an inventory of laboratory reagents and supporting logistics of external receipts/shipping for partnered programs
• Interpreting, summarizing, and presenting experimental data at group, project, and department meetings
• Assessing protein expression via flow cytometry‑based approaches
• Using techniques such as BLI and SPR to study biomolecular interactions
• Working with or having knowledge of viral vaccine antigens
• Researching and developing new protein purification methods and scouting enabling technologies to facilitate production of difficult‑to‑express proteins
• Communicating project goals, timelines, progress, and results across functional groups
• Using Agentic AI approaches to assist data analysis, organization, and presentation

• 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+ year 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 multitasking 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 range: $74,000.00 – $. The salary range is the lowest to highest amount we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of posting. The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to plan eligibility and performance.

Benefits include: best‑in‑class healthcare coverage, voluntary benefit programs, fitness & mindfulness support, mental health resources, family planning benefits (fertility, adoption, surrogacy), generous paid time off (vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, discretionary year‑end shutdown), savings and investment opportunities, and location‑specific perks.

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, citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.