Senior Research Associate, Analytical Development

If you’re interested in this role, please apply in English and include an English version of your Resume/CV.

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 expanding its presence in Shonan, Japan, with a new site for Moderna Enzymatics. This location will focus on advancing enzyme innovation to support and strengthen our mRNA platform. In Shonan, we combine scientific expertise and technical excellence to accelerate next generation solutions that power our medicines. We welcome talent driven by innovation and committed to shaping the future of biotechnology.

In this role, you will support both analytical development and quality control activities for enzyme products used in meDNA synthesis. You will help advance analytical strategies and apply scientifically rigorous methodologies to evaluate enzyme cocktail performance, component protein quality, and product readiness for research and clinical use.

Working closely with cross functional teams across Analytical Development, Process Development (PD), and Platform Technology & Industrialization (PTI), you will generate high quality analytical data, strengthen product evaluation frameworks, and contribute to shipment and release readiness for Moderna Enzymatics materials. This role also offers the opportunity to work alongside teams advancing digital and next generation biotechnology capabilities, including exposure to innovative data driven and AI enabled approaches supporting analytical science and operational excellence.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Develop, establish, optimize, and improve analytical methods used to evaluate the performance and quality of enzyme cocktails supporting meDNA synthesis.

• Design, develop, and refine scientifically sound analytical test methods for component proteins within enzyme cocktails to enable objective performance assessment and robust characterization.

• Execute analytical testing activities and perform data analysis for enzyme products, component proteins, and development samples generated by Process Development (PD) and Platform Technology & Industrialization (PTI) teams.

• Generate analytical datasets to support method development activities, sample characterization, technical investigations, and cross functional decision making across development programs.

• Support quality control operations for enzyme products manufactured by Moderna Enzymatics, including analytical testing activities required to support product release and shipment decisions.

• Prepare Statements of Analysis and associated quality documentation for released enzyme materials.

• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation of experimental activities, analytical results, raw data, and supporting records in alignment with applicable procedures and quality expectations.

• Collaborate closely with cross functional partners across Analytical Development, PD, PTI, and additional functions to support analytical strategy execution, quality evaluation activities, shipment readiness, and continuous operational improvement.

• Contribute to analytical problem solving, technical discussions, and process improvements that strengthen the reliability, consistency, and scientific rigor of enzyme product evaluation.

• Support local site activities at iPark Fujisawa while partnering with broader global teams contributing to Moderna’s expanding enzyme and mRNA technology platform.

• Perform additional responsibilities and project activities as assigned.

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

• “We obsess over learning. We don’t have to be the smartest we have to learn the fastest.”

• “We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.”

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)

· Master’s degree or above in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.

· 2+ years of industry experience in analytical testing, quality control, or a related function.

· Hands-on experience with HPLC for analytical testing.

· Hands-on experience in molecular biology and protein-related analytical testing.

· Experience generating, analyzing, and documenting experimental data in a laboratory environment.

· Ability to read scientific literature and technical protocols in English and communicate effectively in Japanese in a business setting.

· Ability to work on-site at iPark Fujisawa, Japan.

· At Moderna, we are focused on delivering on our mission by enabling talent to thrive. For this role, we are currently unable to offer immigration sponsorship. Candidates must already hold work authorization in US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

· Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, particularly in analytical or quality control roles.

· Experience with LC-MS and other analytical techniques used for biomolecule characterization.

· Experience in protein activity assays and characterization of enzyme products.

· Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including PCR, DNA cloning, E. coli culture and transformation, and plasmid DNA purification.

· Experience using analytical instruments such as qPCR systems and plate readers for DNA, RNA, and enzyme analysis.

· Experience with DNA sequence analysis workflows, including sample preparation and data analysis.

· Experience working with small-volume samples and performing routine analytical work with a high degree of reproducibility.

· Demonstrated ability to balance routine analytical responsibilities with research and development support.

· Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach in a dynamic environment.

· A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our global benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class 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 building benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, 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 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 opportunity in employment 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 consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

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 accommodation 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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