Sr. Scientist, Clinical Biomarker Lab, Flow Cytometry

The Role:

Moderna is seeking a talented, experienced and motivated Senior Scientist to join the Clinical Flow Cytometry group to serve as a scientific expert and point of contact for the oversight of flow cytometry assay development, qualification/validation to support programs across multiple therapeutic areas.

The Senior Scientist will join a team of scientists and Research Associates for the design and execution of flow cytometry assay development, qualification or validation, and the running of clinical samples to return high quality data for clinical trials conducted by Moderna.  The candidate will have a deep scientific background founded in immunology with the ability to apply knowledge to multiple therapeutic areas.  A strong and proven background in translational medicine and clinical biomarker assessments by flow cytometry is essential to guide program and biomarker leads to incorporate the right assays to meet clinical objectives. The candidate will have knowledge of best practices in clinical flow cytometry, and prior experience in running assay validation and conducting data acquisition on clinical specimens.  The ability to effectively communicate across multi-disciplinary teams and external partners is essential.  The candidate will stay aware of newest technology and critical reagents within the field.  The candidate will be an outstanding scientist, a collaborative team member, and excellent communicator to support Moderna’s portfolio needs.

The individual will work closely with research associates to develop flow cytometry-based analytical test methods and characterization tools in support of our clinical phase studies.  The position will report to the Director of flow cytometry.

Here's What You’ll Do:

• Collaborate with project teams and biomarker leads to provide scientific strategies to implement clinical biomarker flow cytometry assays

• Serve as internal study lead for multiple projects and establish action plans for flow cytometry assay development, validation, and study execution

• Oversight and project management to ensure activities for assay development, validation, study execution, analysis, and reporting are met within established timelines

• Research scientific and technical literature to propose and implement innovative solutions applicable to the Laboratory

• Execute, analyze, interpret results, and draw conclusions on study data

• Educate and train junior staff in biomarker assay development and flow cytometry applications where appropriate.

• Work with the team to establish documentation procedures and workflows aligned to clinical cytometry industry expectations and regulations

• Identify and resolve quality issues, employ mitigation strategies, and escalate issues

• Perform quality review of experimental data and study reports

• Attend technical conferences and exhibits as required.

• Candidate will be curious in exploring new technology, bold in proposing creative experimental designs and ideas. Will work collaboratively with multifunctional teams and will be relentless in pursuing successful outcomes

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• Ph.D. (immunology or related field) and >3 years or MS (immunology or related field) and >5 years of experience focused in translational medicine and clinical biomarkers by flow

• Strong level of understanding and expertise in design and executing immune-related studies and assays

• Expertise in cell-mediated immunology: ex vivo cell-based assays for functional profiling (e.g. intracellular cytokine staining, cell proliferation, cell activation, antigen-specific T cell immunophenotyping) is necessary.

• Proven record in translational medicine and clinical biomarkers

• Experience with running and maintaining flow cytometers (Cytek Aurora, BD Symphony/Fortessa, etc.) and in the design of complex multiparameter flow cytometry assays with all necessary controls

• Experience with flow cytometry assay fit-for-purpose validation applicable for intended use of data

• Experience developing receptor occupancy assays for application to clinical studies

• The ability to work in a cross-functional work environment is critical; strong leadership skills and independence skills are required

• Excellent written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills with a proven ability to influence and collaborate in a team environment

• Experience in high parameter data analysis using software such as FCS Express, FlowJo, OMIQ

• Possess strong computational skills: advanced level use of Excel, Power Point, GraphPad Prism, Word

• Understanding of current GCLP, GLP, or CAP/CLIA/ISO standards is desired

• Contributions to publications and presentations in the field of immunology or vaccinology

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
  •    Discretionary winter shut down 
  •    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!

Candidates should be aware that Moderna currently maintains a policy requiring all US-based employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive a booster shot once eligible. Newly hired employees must be vaccinated and boosted prior to their employment start date. Moderna is an equal opportunity employer and will provide a reasonable accommodation to those unable to be vaccinated or receive a booster where it is not an undue hardship to the company to do so as provided under federal, state, and local law.

About Moderna

In over 10 years since its inception, Moderna has transformed from a research-stage company advancing programs in the field of messenger RNA (mRNA), to an enterprise with a diverse clinical portfolio of vaccines and therapeutics across seven modalities, a broad intellectual property portfolio in areas including mRNA and lipid nanoparticle formulation, and an integrated manufacturing plant that allows for rapid clinical and commercial production at scale. Moderna maintains alliances with a broad range of domestic and overseas government and commercial collaborators, which has allowed for the pursuit of both groundbreaking science and rapid scaling of manufacturing. Most recently, Moderna's capabilities have come together to allow the authorized use and approval of one of the earliest and most effective vaccines against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moderna's mRNA platform builds on continuous advances in basic and applied mRNA science, delivery technology and manufacturing, and has allowed the development of therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular diseases and autoimmune diseases. Moderna has been named a top biopharmaceutical employer by Science for the past seven years. To learn more, visit www.modernatx.com.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free and drug-free work environment.

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

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