Scientist, Analytical Development

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 strengthening its presence in Norwood, Massachusetts, a cornerstone of our manufacturing and operational excellence. Our Norwood campus translates mRNA science into scalable impact, supporting the global delivery of our medicines. We welcome talent ready to drive innovation and make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide. In this individual contributor role, you will develop, optimize, and implement advanced analytical methods that support clinical and commercial QC release testing, product characterization, process development, and broader analytical needs across mRNA-based vaccines, therapeutics, and emerging modalities. You will combine deep hands-on expertise across electrophoretic, microfluidic, automated biomolecule-analysis, immuno-based, and emerging technologies with rigorous experimental design, data interpretation, and phase-appropriate analytical development principles to solve complex product-quality and control-strategy challenges. Owning defined method-development workstreams from scientific concept through downstream implementation, you will help establish robust, fit-for-purpose and next-generation platform methods that can scale across programs and transition effectively into Moderna’s broader analytical and Quality Control network. Here’s What You’ll Do Design, develop, optimize, and execute analytical methods supporting drug substance, drug product, and process intermediates across early development, clinical, and commercial programs. Develop and evaluate fit-for-purpose electrophoretic, microfluidic, and automated separation-based methods, including capillary electrophoresis, CE-SDS, cIEF/icIEF, microchip electrophoresis, automated gel-based methods, and related technologies where scientifically appropriate. Develop and optimize automated biomolecule and immuno-based analytical methods, where appropriate, using capillary-based immunoassays, automated Western-type platforms, ligand-binding approaches, and related quantitative biomolecular-analysis technologies. Evaluate and implement next-generation analytical platforms, including microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip technologies, automated electrophoretic analysis systems, and other emerging technologies that improve robustness, throughput, automation readiness, scalability, or ease of deployment. Translate product knowledge, critical quality attributes, process-development questions, and control-strategy needs into phase-appropriate analytical requirements and clearly defined method intended use. Select appropriate analytical technologies, sample-preparation strategies, detection approaches, controls, and data-analysis methods based on the scientific question and stage of development. Apply science- and risk-based analytical development principles, including analytical target profile or intended-use thinking, risk assessment, structured experimentation, Design of Experiments, and ICH Q14/Q2(R2) concepts where appropriate. Systematically optimize critical method parameters and evaluate analytical performance characteristics including specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity, range, detection capability, robustness, and system suitability to establish scientifically justified operating ranges and controls. Independently troubleshoot complex analytical challenges and unexpected observations by integrating method-development data, product knowledge, orthogonal analytical results, and scientific literature to develop and test scientifically sound hypotheses and solutions. Identify opportunities to establish analytical platform methods that can be standardized, harmonized, and reused across related products, programs, laboratories, or modalities, reducing unnecessary method proliferation and accelerating future development. Evaluate emerging analytical technologies and lead or support proof-of-concept studies to determine their suitability for release testing, product characterization, process-development support, or other intended uses across development and Quality Control networks. Support lifecycle management and modernization of established analytical procedures, including assessment of method performance, troubleshooting emerging issues, and identifying opportunities to improve robustness, automation, scalability, or replace existing approaches with more suitable platform methods where scientifically justified. Author and review analytical method procedures, development reports, impact assessments, method assessments, and supporting regulatory documentation. Collaborate with Analytical Sciences & Technology (AS&T), Quality Control, Analytical Sciences, Analytical Technical Operations, and other partners to support method pre-qualification, qualification or validation, technical transfer, downstream implementation, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management, designing methods from the outset with future routine and QC use in mind. Partner closely with Analytical Product Leads (APLs), Process Development, Product Characterization, Research, Manufacturing, and other CMC partners to connect analytical method development with product understanding, process-development needs, comparability assessments, investigations, and evolving analytical control strategies across early, clinical, and commercial programs. Partner closely with Applied Technology, Digital, and Quantitative Science to incorporate automation, miniaturization, and high-throughput concepts into method development where appropriate, including automated sample preparation, liquid handling, plate-based workflows, and reproducible data-processing approaches. Bring strong experimental design and data-interpretation capabilities to method-development workstreams, applying a solid understanding of phase-appropriate analytical development and analytical procedure lifecycle principles to deliver methods that are robust and fit for their intended use. Own defined analytical method-development workstreams and translate complex analytical needs into practical, scientifically rigorous procedures that can ultimately be deployed across the broader analytical and Quality Control network. Explore opportunities to work closely with emerging Generative AI tools and digitally enabled scientific workflows to accelerate analytical knowledge synthesis, experimental planning, data interrogation, troubleshooting, documentation, and method-development decision making, while maintaining appropriate scientific and quality oversight. The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role: “We prioritize the platform over any single solution.” “We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.” Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications) Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 0–2 years of relevant experience; or M.S. with 8+ years; or B.S./B.A. with 10+ years of relevant industry experience. Strong hands-on experience in analytical method development, including experience with at least one relevant platform such as molecular assays, electrophoretic or microfluidic methods, immuno-based assays, or related analytical technologies, is required. Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications) Strong scientific foundation in analytical method development, including systematic method optimization, Design of Experiment, troubleshooting, robustness assessment, and interpretation of complex analytical data. Experience with one or more electrophoretic or microfluidic analytical technologies, such as capillary electrophoresis, CE-SDS, cIEF/icIEF, microchip electrophoresis, automated gel electrophoresis, LabChip-type platforms, or related miniaturized separation technologies. Experience with automated protein or immuno-based analytical platforms, such as capillary-based immunoassays, automated Western-type technologies, ligand-binding assays, or related quantitative biomolecular-analysis methods, is desirable. Experience developing analytical methods for mRNA, RNA, plasmid DNA, lipid nanoparticles, vaccines, biologics, gene therapy, or other advanced therapeutic modalities is preferred. Strong understanding of phase-appropriate analytical development and analytical procedure lifecycle principles, including method development, robustness assessment, pre-qualification or qualification, validation, technical transfer, continued performance monitoring, and continuous improvement. Familiarity with science- and risk-based analytical development principles, including ICH Q14 and ICH Q2(R2), analytical target profiles or intended-use concepts, risk assessment, structured experimental design, and establishment of appropriate assay controls and system-suitability criteria. Demonstrated ability to independently plan and execute method-development experiments, analyze complex data, troubleshoot technical problems, and make data-driven recommendations within defined scientific objectives. Experience developing platform methods or implementing standardized analytical approaches across multiple products, programs, laboratories, or modalities is highly desirable. Experience evaluating or implementing emerging analytical technologies, including proof-of-concept development, technology assessment, method modernization, or replacement of legacy analytical workflows, is desirable. Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handling, high-throughput workflows, automated sample preparation, LIMS or sample-tracking systems, or reproducible data-processing workflows is a plus. Strong scientific curiosity, written and verbal communication skills, and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across Analytical Development, Process Development, Analytical Sciences, APL, AST, QC, QA, Regulatory Affairs, Digital, Automation, and other multidisciplinary teams while maintaining scientific rigor, data integrity, laboratory safety, and high-quality documentation. 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 $109,200.00 - $174,600.00. 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