Sr. Research Associate

The Role Immuno-Oncology Research at Moderna is seeking a talented and motivated Senior Research Associate to join our efforts in developing new mRNA-based drugs for cancer therapy. The successful candidate will use molecular biology and immunology techniques to characterize Moderna’s mRNA products, their activity, and/or relevant biomarkers in vitro and in vivo to support early preclinical research, IND-enabling studies, and/or translational research.

This is a bench-focused role requiring technical expertise and the ability to work within a cross-functional, fast-paced team. The successful candidate will execute in vitro and ex vivo experiments as part of a team and consistently deliver and present high quality, reproducible data.

• Use Moderna’s mRNA products to demonstrate expression and characterize activity of immuno-oncology therapeutic proteins in relevant in vitro and/or in vivo experimental systems.
• Gain knowledge of preclinical cancer models and toxicology models.
• Perform and/or support experiments and assays such as immune cell isolation, cell culture, ELISA/MSD, flow cytometry, cell-based functional and reporter assays, sample processing and analysis for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies.
• Work collaboratively within direct team, as well as with a cross-functional team of scientists.
• Maintain an organized work area and electronic lab notebook.
• Analyze, visualize, and summarize experimental data, including team meeting and cross-functional meeting presentations when relevant.

• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of experience.
• Technical experience in cell transfection, long-term immune cell cultures, co-culture assays, multi-color flow cytometry (standard and spectral), and protein detection methods (MSD, ELISA).
• Experience in the following areas is preferred: assay development and troubleshooting, familiarity with qPCR and ddPCR.
• The candidate should be self-motivated, flexible, and able to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

• 1-3 years of relevant experience in an immuno-oncology setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as the ability to contribute to high-performing teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Graph Pad Prism and Omiq for flow cytometry data analysis.
• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

As we build our company, we have always believed that an in-person culture is critical to our success. This role is 100% onsite, reflecting the importance of being physically present to support the work, collaborate closely with colleagues, and contribute to our site-based operations. Working onsite enables real-time collaboration, strong team connections, direct mentorship, and the hands‑on partnership needed to deliver our mission.

Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact. Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.

Pay & Benefits At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That's why our benefits and well‑being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Competitive healthcare, 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,…