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 across the UK.
You will play a critical role in generating high quality clinical trial data through the development, validation, and execution of advanced cell-based flow cytometry assays. Working closely with scientists and laboratory associates, you will help drive key clinical decisions through robust immunophenotyping, functional immune profiling, and complex assay execution using cutting edge spectral flow technologies and digital laboratory systems.
This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of translational immunology and mRNA medicine, leveraging advanced laboratory technologies, digital workflows, and emerging analytical tools while contributing to innovative clinical programs with global patient impact.
Here's 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 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.
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.
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 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
At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our global benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
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
The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.
About Moderna
Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.
By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities.
We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S.
As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.
If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.
Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.
Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!
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.
We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best.
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 [email protected] .
