Sr. Research Associate, Protein Design

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 contribute to our mission every day, please apply! Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Accommodations 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 accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation 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 team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.  Export Control Notice This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license. - Our Mission and Vision At Moderna we are pioneering the development of a new class of drugs made of messenger RNA (mRNA). This novel drug platform builds on the discovery that modified mRNA can direct the body’s cellular machinery to produce nearly any protein of interest, from native proteins to antibodies and other entirely novel protein constructs that can have therapeutic activity inside and outside of cells. We have a clear mission to propel the field of mRNA science forward and deliver new medicines to patients and a unique vision for how to achieve this mission. Our Mission: To deliver on the promise of transformative messenger RNA (mRNA) science to bring new medicines to patients. Our Vision: To unlock the potential of mRNA by establishing an ecosystem of teams and partners that will work together to develop the broadest possible array of drugs, across diverse therapeutic areas and routes of administration, for serious diseases that are not treatable today. Third Party Staffing Agencies Moderna does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates. For the protection of all parties involved in the recruiting process, resumes will only be accepted from recruiters/agencies if a signed agreement is in place at the inception of the recruiting effort and authorized for a specified position. Unsolicited resumes sent to Moderna from recruiters/agencies do not constitute any type of relationship between the recruiter/agency and Moderna and do not obligate Moderna to pay fees if we hire from those resumes. Reasonable Accommodation Notice Moderna will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. Please inform the company's personnel representative by calling 617-460-9346 or emailing humanresources@modernatx.com if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Return Home