Senior Research Associate, Bioanalytical & Molecular Assays

Role Overview

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.

As Moderna expands its scientific capabilities in the UK, we are seeking a highly skilled bioanalytical scientist to join our Clinical Bioanalytical team. This role sits at the intersection of basic science research, bioanalysis, and clinical development, helping advance innovative mRNA programs through phase‑appropriate assay development, qualification, and validation activities. You will play a critical role in ensuring robust bioanalytical methodologies are developed and transferred into a GCLP‑compliant framework to support clinical programs.

This is an opportunity to contribute directly to the generation of high‑quality pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data while working with advanced molecular biology technologies and emerging digital capabilities that are transforming drug development.

• Perform bioanalytical assays utilizing molecular and cellular biology techniques, including gel electrophoresis, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), RT‑qPCR, and related technologies for the quantitation of RNA in biological matrices.
• Support integration of basic science research and bioanalytical activities to advance development programs into a GCLP‑compliant clinical environment.
• Execute phase‑appropriate assay development, qualification, and validation activities supporting pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) analyses.
• Conduct genomic DNA and RNA isolation and apply molecular biology methodologies to generate high‑quality analytical data.
• Ensure assays are developed, optimized, qualified, and validated within required timelines to support program milestones and clinical study needs.
• Establish fit‑for‑purpose bioanalytical methods that meet scientific, regulatory, and GCLP compliance requirements for clinical use.
• Evaluate and review raw analytical data, assay validation reports, and study reports to ensure data integrity, scientific rigor, and compliance with current regulatory, industry, and Moderna standards.
• Partner with internal and external laboratories to ensure analytical activities are performed according to established quality expectations and regulatory requirements.
• Support analytical equipment procurement, qualification, maintenance, and lifecycle management activities.
• Prepare, maintain, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and supporting documentation.
• Identify, characterize, qualify, and maintain critical reagents required for bioanalytical assay execution and long‑term program support.
• Collaborate closely with Clinical Operations, Sample Management, and cross‑functional development teams to define sample journeys and develop laboratory manuals that support clinical trial execution.
• Maintain detailed and accurate electronic laboratory notebooks and ensure appropriate documentation practices are consistently followed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory efficiency, data quality, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Leverage evolving digital tools, automation technologies, and opportunities to engage with Generative AI‑enabled scientific workflows to improve analytical processes and data interpretation.
• Operate effectively within a dynamic, fast‑paced environment while demonstrating flexibility, scientific curiosity, and a commitment to team success.

• M.S. in Molecular Biology or a related discipline with a minimum of 5 years of experience, or B.S. with 8 years of experience in bioanalytical and GCLP/GLP work performing clinical molecular assays.
• Hands‑on experience with nucleic acid characterization techniques including gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, and qPCR; experience with NGS and genomics is a plus.
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey program objectives, data analysis, and findings to team members and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of GCLP requirements and current industry trends and regulatory expectations associated with analytical science.
• A desire to make…