Sr. Research Associate, Protein Design

Job description

The Role Moderna is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join the Protein Design team at its Cambridge, MA site. This role will support protein expression, purification, and biophysical characterization efforts for Infectious Disease Research vaccine and therapeutic programs. The successful candidate will contribute to the discovery and development of vaccine antigens and therapeutic proteins by leveraging expertise in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and analytical characterization. The candidate will be responsible for executing protein production workflows in both mammalian and bacterial (E. coli) expression systems, optimizing purification processes, and applying a broad range of biochemical and biophysical techniques to evaluate protein quality, stability, and function. This role requires strong technical expertise, attention to detail, scientific curiosity, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to advance multiple research programs in a fast-paced and highly innovative environment. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge vaccine and therapeutic development while generating high-quality experimental data that enables critical program decisions. Here’s What You’ll Do Execute and optimize recombinant protein expression workflows in mammalian and bacterial (E. coli) expression systems. Perform transient mammalian cell culture and transfection for protein production. Conduct recombinant protein purification using chromatography-based methods including affinity, ion exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography utilizing FPLC systems. Support development and optimization of expression, purification, and formulation conditions for challenging proteins and complex antigens. Characterize proteins using biochemical and biophysical techniques including SDS-PAGE, western blotting, SEC-MALS, DSC, DSF, BLI, Mass Photometry, and flow cytometry-based approaches. Evaluate protein purity, stability, oligomeric state, aggregation, and biomolecular interactions to support candidate assessment and advancement. Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data and communicate findings through presentations, technical reports, and project team discussions. Develop and implement AI-assisted workflows for high-throughput protein screening and characterization. Leverage AI to accelerate analysis of protein screening datasets and identify high-performing candidates. Collaborate closely with scientists and cross-functional teams to support project goals, timelines, and deliverables. Identify technical challenges and troubleshoot protein expression, purification, and characterization workflows. Support implementation and evaluation of new protein production and characterization technologies to improve workflow efficiency. Maintain accurate experimental records and support inventory management, reagent tracking, and logistics coordination for partnered programs. Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications) Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Protein Engineering, Chemical Biology, or a related scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience. Hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression in both mammalian and bacterial (E. coli) systems. Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications) Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Protein Engineering, Chemical Biology, or a related scientific discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience. Experience with protein purification workflows and operation of FPLC systems. Experience with biochemical and biophysical characterization methods including SDS-PAGE, western blotting, SEC-MALS, DSC, DSF, BLI, Mass Photometry, or related techniques. Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and optimize protein expression, purification, and characterization workflows. Experience analyzing protein quality, stability, aggregation, and biomolecular interactions. Strong quantitative data analysis and scientific problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities in a collaborative, cross-functional research environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative. Our Working Model As we build our company, we have always believed that an in-person culture is critical to our success. This role is 100% onsite, reflecting the importance of being physically present to support the work, collaborate closely with colleagues, and contribute to our site-based operations. Working onsite enables real-time collaboration, strong team connections, direct mentorship, and the hands-on partnership needed to deliver our mission. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact. Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment. Pay & Benefits At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between. Competitive 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 planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support Generous paid time off, including vacation, 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 salary range for this role is $74,000.00 - $118,400.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance. 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. 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. Equal Opportunities 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. Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to