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.
What You’ll Do
* 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.
The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role
* 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.
Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
* 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 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 with being part of a team and communicating with managers.
* This position is site‑based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full‑time. This position is not eligible for remote work.
* As part of Moderna’s commitment to workplace safety, this role may require an enhanced pre‑employment check.
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)
* Experience working with primary human cells e.g. 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 good computational skills, experience with Microsoft office tools, and GraphPad Prism.
* Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and urgent project requests.
* Ability to work cross‑functionally and across matrices.
* A desire to make an impact as part of a high‑growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.
Pay & Benefits
* Best‑in‑class 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 building benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support.
* Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year‑end shutdown.
* Savings and investments to help you plan for the future.
* Location‑specific perks and extras.
Equal Opportunity
Moderna is committed to equal opportunity in employment 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. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation
Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment 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 and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.
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