Sr. Research Associate, Protein Design

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.

• 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).
• Assess protein expression via flow cytometry‑based approaches.
• Experience with techniques such as BLI and SPR to study biomolecular interactions.
• Research and develop new protein purification methods, and scout enabling technologies to facilitate production of difficult‑to‑express proteins.
• Interpret, summarize, and present experimental data and results at group, project, and department meetings.
• Effectively communicate project goals, timelines, progress, and results across functional groups.
• Use 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+ 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 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.

Salary range for this role is $74,000.00 – $.

• Best‑in‑class healthcare coverage, plus voluntary benefit programs.
• 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.

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.

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.