Senior Research Associate, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory, Flow Cytometry

Overview

This one-year fixed-term position is for a Senior Research Associate on Moderna’s Clinical Flow Cytometry team in Harwell, Oxfordshire. The role involves generating high-quality flow cytometry data for clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas, supporting clinical programs under GCLP guidelines.

• 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 escalate 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.

• BA or MS in Immunology, Life Sciences, Biology, or related field; 3+ years lab experience preferably in an industry setting.
• Demonstratable 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 experience working independently on laboratory procedures and processes is preferred.
• An effective communicator and collaborator within project teams with good written and presentation skills.
• Experience working as part of a team and communicating with managers.
• This position is site-based, requiring presence at Moderna’s site full-time. Remote work is not eligible.
• May require an enhanced pre-employment check as part of Moderna’s workplace safety commitment.

• Experience working with primary human cells such as PBMC.
• Experience in assessing cell-mediated immunity through cytometry: ex-vivo stimulation of PBMC and intracellular cytokine staining for functional profiling.
• Experience working in a regulated lab is a plus.
• Possess strong computational skills, experience with Microsoft Office tools, and Graph Pad Prism.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and urgent project requests.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and across matrices.
• D…