Principal Research Associate, Analytical Development

The Role:

Moderna is seeking highly skilled, talented, and motivated applicants for a Principal Research Associate position based in Norwood, MA site. This role will support the Analytical Development Small Molecules and Lipids team with method development/pre-validation, impurity identification and characterization of small molecule/lipid components of mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticles (LNP) based pharmaceuticals. The individual will work with other scientists and interface with Process Chemistry, Preformulation, and Strategy teams.  The successful candidate must have a strong background in method development, separation sciences, and mass spectrometry. Experience with the analysis of small molecules such as lipids and polymers are preferred.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Contribute as part of the AD Small Molecules and Lipids team towards the development and execution of various separation and mass spectrometry based analytical methods to support raw materials, lipids, RNA, drug substance and drug product characterization, impurity identification, release, and stability.  

• Perform method development, qualification, validation, and support method transfer and associated documents to internal QC and external CROs/CMOs.

• Perform and execute separations, mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography methods focused on impurity profiling, characterization, and quantification of small molecules and lipids using UHPLC, LC/MS and GC/MS/FID

• Work closely with colleagues within Moderna Process Chemistry, Process Development, Formulation, Analytical Tech Operations, Analytical Sciences and Technology and QC teams to support raw material testing, process optimization, method development, forced degradation studies and hands-on troubleshooting.

• Demonstrate independent judgment in technique and method selection, study design, generate and contribute to data analysis, technical report writing and presenting findings to multidisciplinary teams

• Maintain a safe laboratory work environment and be accountable for good documentation practices.

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

• BS with 5-8 years or MS with 2-5 years of industry experience in analytical development or in the small-molecule biopharmaceutical space.

• BS/MS in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or closely related field

• Practical experience with HPLC, CE, GC, and MS method development, validation and transfer

• Experience with sample extraction/separation techniques and chromatography methods (SPE, SPME, RP-IP, HILIC, SEC, etc.)

• Knowledge of nucleic acid chemistry and biology and standard methods of analysis of these molecules.

• Knowledge of theories, principles and techniques of relevant scientific areas and basic understanding of industry practices and standards

• Excellent communication (oral and written) and attention to detail

• Ability to follow complex method development and suggest appropriate method modifications

• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies

• Strong interpersonal skills with an eagerness to work with and support colleagues in other departments

• (Preferred) Knowledge of current FDA and ICH guidance’s

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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