Research Associate, Virology

Overview

Moderna is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and adaptable Research Associate to join the Infectious Disease Research (IDR) Virology team. The role will support the development of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics across preclinical and clinical programs by executing virology and cell‑based assays.

• Culture and maintain diverse mammalian cell lines and primary cells to support virology assays
• Execute virological assays, including virus neutralization, infectivity assays, and virus propagation with high precision and reproducibility
• Perform assay quality control and ensure data integrity to support program decision‑making
• Analyze, summarize, interpret, and communicate experimental results to cross‑functional teams
• Maintain accurate, well‑organized electronic laboratory notebooks in accordance with internal standards
• Support reagent preparation, sample tracking, and inventory management to ensure efficient lab operations
• Contribute to assay development, optimization, and scaling
• Collaborate across teams to deliver high‑quality data across multiple concurrent programs under aggressive timelines

• B.S. in biology or a related discipline with 0–2 years of relevant academic or industry experience
• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture and sterile technique
• Strong attention to detail, commitment to data quality, integrity, and reproducibility
• Ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Excellent organizational, record‑keeping, and data‑management skills
• Effective communication skills and a collaborative, team‑oriented mindset
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and adapt to evolving scientific and program needs

• Experience with virology techniques such as virus propagation, TCID
  50, plaque assays, viral infectivity, and/or neutralization assays
• Familiarity with molecular and cellular biology techniques (PCR/qPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, western blotting, molecular cloning)
• Experience working in a high‑throughput or matrixed research environment
• Exposure to assay development or optimization for mechanistic or quantitative readouts
• Desire to make an impact as part of a high‑growth, transformational company

Site‑based; the successful candidate must be at Moderna’s site full‑time. Remote work is not eligible for this position.

The salary range for this role is $63,200.00 – $, depending on experience and qualifications. 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.

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to 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. Moderna is a place where everyone can grow and is an E‑Verify Employer in the United States.

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of this position should contact the Accommodations team at leavesan

The position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws. Only U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position.

Moderna considers qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.