Sr. Scientist, Genetic Assays

Moderna Therapeutics

Moderna Therapeutics

England, UK
Posted on Tuesday, June 4, 2024
The Role:

Joining Moderna offers the unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team that's revolutionizing medicine through mRNA technology with a diverse pipeline of development programs across various diseases. As an employee you'll be part of a continually growing organization working alongside exceptional colleagues and strategic partners worldwide contributing to global health initiatives. Moderna's commitment to advancing the technological frontier of mRNA medicines ensures a challenging and rewarding career experience with the potential to make a significant impact on patients' lives worldwide.

Moderna's mission is to establish a leading-edge research development and manufacturing facility at Harwell as part of a long-term commitment to onshore mRNA vaccine production for respiratory diseases. This initiative will create a multitude of highly skilled jobs and foster collaboration with academic NHS and government partners across the UK. We're looking for global experts eager to join us in this endeavour contributing to a future where access to life-saving vaccines is a reality for all.

Moderna is seeking an experienced Genetic Assay senior scientist to join the Bioanalysis and Molecular Assays (BMA) team. A successful incumbent would help integrate basic science research, bioanalysis, genomics and informatics to move programs into the clinic as well as reverse-engineer clinical findings to novel opportunities for Moderna’s pipeline.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

Your key responsibilities will be:

  • Responsible for the design and effective execution of phase-appropriate molecular biology assays to enable pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis, including DNA and RNA isolation, qPCR, ddPCR, NGS sequencing, and other relevant technologies.
  • Ensure assays are developed in a timely manner to meet program timelines, the qualification or validation of assays is fit for purpose within GcLP compliance for clinical use, and troubleshoot any issues that arise internally or with external CRO partners.
  • Evaluate and review raw data and study analytical reports and assay validation reports, as appropriate, to ensure laboratories are performing analysis in compliance with current regulatory, industry, and Moderna standards and that data are of the required quality (regulatory and scientific).


Your responsibilities will also include:

  • Establish internal and external mRNA-based bioanalytical capability and facilitate method development to support Moderna’s portfolio.
  • Manage analytical equipment procurement/qualifications, preparation and maintenance of SOP’s, determination, and control of critical reagents.
  • Stay abreast of literature, government guidelines, internal guidance on clinical trial conduct including Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), internal SOPs and regulations, and White Papers, as appropriate, for clinical bioanalysis to ensure practices are consistent with regulatory expectations.
  • Collaborate with clinical operations and sample management to define sample journey and develop appropriate laboratory manuals.


The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:

  • Prioritize the platform: Focus on building and optimizing mRNA-based bioanalytical capabilities that support Moderna’s wide-ranging pipeline and transformative healthcare solutions.
  • Question convention: Continuously explore and integrate innovative assay techniques and methodologies to push the boundaries of current bioanalytical practices.
  • Act with urgency: Drive timely development and validation of assays to meet critical program timelines and ensure rapid clinical progress.


Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:

  • A Ph.D. in genetic assays from the following areas: infectious disease, Immuno-oncology, Immunology, Cancer Biology, or related fields and a minimum of 7 years of industry biotech/pharmaceutical experience. B.S./M.S. with a minimum of 9 years of bioanalytical and GcLP/GLP experience are considered
  • Experience with RNA, biologics and cell therapy preferred
  • Expert knowledge of nucleic acid manipulation, qPCR, RT-qPCR, ddPCR, RT-ddPCR, RNA/DNA NGS sequencing and other methodologies for preclinical and clinical assays.
  • Working knowledge of the translational literature and competitive landscape in the ASO field.
  • Ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts, program objectives, data analysis within a matrix environment.
  • Knowledge of GcLP requirements and understanding of current industry trends and regulatory expectations associated with analytical science.


Moderna offers personalized benefit programs and well-being resources as unique as our global workforce so employees can do their best work.

We recognize and appreciate your diverse needs and interests and do our best to support you at work and at home with:

  • Quality healthcare and insurance benefits
  • Lifestyle Spending Accounts to create your own pathway to well-being
  • Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
  • Family planning and adoption benefits
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
  • Educational resources
  • Savings and investments
  • 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 employment opportunity 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 also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity are critical to the success of our company and our impact on society. We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees and believe that by cultivating diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we can provide an environment where every employee is able to contribute their best.

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations 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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