Scientist, Analytical Development

The Role

Moderna is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Scientist to reside in Moderna’s CMC-Development organization in Norwood, MA. Reporting into the head of the Advanced Characterization group, this lab-based role will support analytical method innovation and technology development that underpins our characterization and control of lipid nanoparticle products. The candidate will be involved with identifying and applying new physical and biophysical methods as well as demonstrating the translatability of these methods to formal product and process control. This role will also contribute to our focus on extending fundamental understanding of pharmaceutical quality attributes of lipid nanoparticles, lipid membranes, and RNA-lipid complexes. The successful candidate should be collaborative in his/her approach, have strong communication skills, and be flexible in a fast-paced and highly dynamic environment. Hands-on experience and expertise with several structural characterization techniques such as SAXS, NMR, DSC, ITC, SPR, light scattering, cryo-EM is required. We seek applicants who are proactive, enthusiastic, and have a passion for science.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Develop novel biophysical methodologies, drive technology innovation, identify and evaluate opportunities for analytical advancement and improvement
• Design and execute experiments to advance analytical methodology for lipid nanoparticles characterization
• Structurally characterize lipid membranes, lipid-RNA complexes and lipid nanoparticles surface and colloidal properties to further our understanding of fundamental interactions driving LNP functionality
• Represent the Advanced Characterization team in cross-functional groups and translate project goals into actionable plans
• Collaborate cross-functionally in the application of biophysical methodologies
• Prioritize work and provide technical leadership across multiple pipeline programs
• Serve as a subject matter expert for structural characterization methods applied to product understanding and process control
• Document and present findings internally or externally.

 

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

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, 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 developing and applying structural characterization methods. Hands-on experience and expertise with several structural characterization techniques such as SAXS, NMR, DSC, ITC, SPR, light scattering, cryo-EM is mandatory.

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

• Demonstrated hands-on experience developing and optimizing structural characterization assays using biophysical techniques such as SAXS, NMR, DSC, ITC, SPR, light scattering, and cryo-EM.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and solve complex technical challenges related to biophysical characterization.
• Familiarity with analytical method development and pharmaceutical control strategies.
• Deep scientific knowledge and practical experience with spectroscopic, physical, and thermodynamic techniques applicable to mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) characterization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and experimental priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong scientific curiosity and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across Analytical Development, Process Development, Research, and other technical functions.
• Self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented, with a commitment to scientific rigor, data integrity, laboratory safety, and high-quality documentation.
• Desire to make a meaningful impact within a high-growth, transformational organization that values being 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 $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 [email protected]. 

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.


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