Senior Research Associate, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory, Flow Cytometry

The Role

Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients. Moderna is establishing a leading research, development, and manufacturing facility at Harwell to support onshore mRNA vaccine production for respiratory diseases in the UK. This long-term investment will create skilled jobs and strengthen collaboration with academic, NHS, and government partners.

We welcome experts ready to help expand access to life-saving vaccines. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to join Moderna’s Clinical Flow Cytometry group in Harwell, Oxfordshire on a 1‑year fixed term contract. Operating as an individual contributor within a collaborative scientific environment, you will serve as a technical expert in the generation of high‑parameter flow cytometry data under GCLP guidelines to support clinical programs across multiple therapeutic areas in the UK.

• Execute clinical sample testing under GCLP guidelines to support Moderna clinical programs across multiple therapeutic areas.
• Conduct functional profiling of immune responses on clinical trial samples using validated flow cytometry assays.
• Perform high‑parameter immunophenotyping on PBMC and whole blood samples with strong attention to assay quality and reproducibility.
• Apply high‑parameter spectral flow cytometry approaches to generate clinically meaningful immune monitoring data.
• Participate in the development and fit‑for‑purpose validation of complex cell‑based flow cytometry assays.
• Execute clinical sample testing activities in accordance with established protocols, technical procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Ensure strict adherence to GCLP standards, assay rigor, data integrity expectations, and reproducibility requirements.
• Deliver high quality data within defined timelines while maintaining alignment with current industry standards for quality and compliance.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and elevate assay or quality issues as appropriate to maintain operational excellence.
• Process PBMC samples and qualify cryopreserved PBMCs received from clinical and vendor sites to ensure optimal sample integrity and performance.
• Support end‑to‑end experimental workflows including sample preparation, staining, instrument acquisition, and downstream data analysis.
• Analyze complex flow cytometry datasets using FCS Express software with a high level of technical accuracy.
• Document experimental procedures and testing activities using LES and LIMS platforms to maintain compliant digital laboratory records.
• Collaborate closely with scientists and laboratory colleagues to execute experiments efficiently and effectively.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on enhancing laboratory accuracy, workflow efficiency, and assay robustness.
• Partner with the team to feasibility test and implement emerging laboratory techniques and innovative technologies, including opportunities to work alongside advanced digital and AI‑enabled scientific tools.
• Support laboratory operations through general housekeeping and shared responsibilities to maintain a safe, organized, and inspection‑ready environment.
• Operate as a key technical contributor within Moderna’s Clinical Flow Cytometry team, helping generate critical clinical data that informs trial progression and strategic decision making.

• We obsess over learning. We don’t have to be the smartest, we have to learn the fastest.
• We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.

• BA or MS in Immunology, Life Sciences, Biology, or related field; 3+ years lab experience preferably in industry setting.
• Demonstrable experience in cytometry from sample processing and staining, through sample acquisition.
• Knowledge of best practices in the use of cytometry to generate high‑quality data.
• Experience with cell‑based assays, cell culture, ex‑vivo flow cytometry assays, in depth experience with PBMC processing.
• Prior…