The Role:
Moderna is seeking a Research Associate to join the Protein Sciences group at their Cambridge, MA site. The candidate will support recombinant protein production needs for diverse functional groups across the company by expressing, purifying, and characterizing recombinant proteins for development of mRNA therapeutics, vaccines, platform technology and manufacturing. Specifically, the candidate will use bacterial, mammalian, and insect cell culturing techniques for protein expression, chromatographic methods for protein purification, and will perform standard biochemical techniques for characterization of purified proteins. In addition to established methods, the candidate will also research and develop new expression/purification techniques to deliver on difficult protein targets. The candidate will communicate with stakeholders to align on project goals, present data/results/progress, and deliver high-quality recombinant proteins to meet tight project deadlines.
Here’s What You’ll Do:
Molecular cloning, plasmid preparation and propagation
Protein expression primarily in Escherichia coli and mammalian cells; occasional expression in yeast, insect cells, other bacterial hosts, and cell-free systems
Protein purification by chromatography-based methods (affinity, ion exchange, size-exclusion, use of FPLC systems for semi-automated purifications)
Testing and optimizing expression/purification conditions
Research and develop new expression/purification techniques
Characterization of proteins by standard biochemical techniques (SDS-PAGE, western blots, thermal melts, activity assays, binding assays)
Effectively communicate project goals, timelines, progress, and results across functional groups
Manage an inventory of laboratory reagents and support logistics of external receipts/shipping for partnered programs
Interpret, summarize, and present experimental data and results at group meetings, project meetings and department meetings
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline
Experience with bacterial and mammalian cell culture techniques preferred
Experience with design and cloning of protein expression constructs preferred
Experience using standard methods to express and purify recombinant preferred
Experience in biochemical characterization of proteins (e.g., SDS-PAGE, analytical SEC, western blot, thermal melt)
Ability to participate in multiple collaborative projects in a cross-functional team environment
Ability to multi-task to meet technology development and research goals
Strong quantitative analysis skills
Excellent written and oral communication
Co-op/intern industry experience in protein biochemistry or similar laboratory preferred
Experience operating and performing basic maintenance on FPLC systems preferred
This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.
Moderna is pleased to provide you and your family with a comprehensive and innovative suite of benefits, including:
Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options
Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
Lifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activities
Family care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoring
Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
Exclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipment
Adoption and family-planning benefits
Dedicated care coordination support for our LGBTQ+ community
Generous paid time off, including:
- Vacation, sick time and holidays
- Volunteer time to participate within your community
- D iscretionary year-end shutdown
- Paid sabbatical after 5 years; every 3 years thereafter
Generous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents
401k match and Financial Planning tools
Moderna-paid Life, LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit options
Complimentary concierge service including home services research, travel booking, and entertainment requests
Free parking or subsidized commuter passes
Location-specific perks and extras!
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 proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.
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 an E-Verify Employer in the United States. 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 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 . (EEO/AAP Employer)
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