Scientist, Analytical Technical Operations

The Role

The Moderna Analytical Technical Operations (ATO) team is seeking a Scientist to lead operational method development and enable the transition of analytical methods from development into robust, scalable, and high-throughput laboratory execution. This is an onsite role based at Moderna's Technology Center campus in Norwood, MA.

You will serve as a critical scientific interface between Analytical Development and ATO, combining technical expertise in LC/MS, chromatography, microfluidic methods, automation, and high-throughput methodologies with a strong understanding of sample demand, turnaround time, equipment capacity, data flow, and routine execution requirements. You will drive method optimization, technology transfer, troubleshooting, and lifecycle improvements supporting characterization, in-process, release, and stability testing across Moderna programs.

Here's What You'll Do

• Lead operational method development focused on robustness, reproducibility, throughput, automation compatibility, data integrity, and long-term sustainability.
• Translate Analytical Development methods into standardized and scalable workflows suitable for routine, high-volume testing environments while preserving scientific intent and required performance.
• Design and execute method studies supporting optimization, performance characterization, comparability, pre-validation, transfer, and operational readiness.
• Provide technical expertise in LC/MS and separation sciences including HPLC/UHPLC, capillary electrophoresis, microfluidic platforms, method execution, data interpretation, and troubleshooting.
• Advance microfluidic analytical methods including LabChip or comparable platforms, to improve speed, sample efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
• Develop automation-ready workflows including sample preparation and analytical methods compatible with liquid handlers, robotic platforms, plate-based execution, and integrated data systems.
• Apply high-throughput principles to optimize batching, instrument utilization, analyst touch time, cycle time, and overall laboratory capacity.
• Serve as a primary scientific interface with Analytical Development by engaging early in method design and communicating operational requirements for volume, run time, controls, standards, equipment, data review, automation, and transferability.
• Lead or support analytical technology transfer including transfer strategy, execution, acceptance criteria, knowledge transfer, training, documentation, and post-transfer monitoring.
• Drive complex technical troubleshooting and investigations involving methods, instrumentation, reagents, samples, data, and workflow interactions using structured root cause analysis and experimental design.
• Partner across Process Development, Formulation Sciences, Quality Control, Digital, Automation, Laboratory Engineering, and external organizations to ensure end-to-end method and technology readiness.
• Create clear technical documentation including protocols, reports, transfer packages, work instructions, risk assessments, and training materials that enable consistent execution.
• Mentor colleagues and strengthen organizational capability in method science, operational development, technology transfer, automation, and data-driven problem solving.
• Drive continuous improvement and method lifecycle management through performance monitoring, modernization, change implementation, and sustainable corrective and preventive actions.

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

• Education: PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline, or a Master's or Bachelor's degree with directly applicable industry experience.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience in analytical method development, optimization, transfer, validation or pre-validation, troubleshooting, and lifecycle support.
• LC/MS and chromatography: Hands-on experience with LC/MS and liquid chromatographic techniques, including method performance assessment, data interpretation, and troubleshooting.
• Operational method development: Experience translating scientific method requirements into reliable routine execution while accounting for volume, capacity, scheduling, turnaround time, training, and executional robustness.
• Technical leadership: Demonstrated ability to independently design studies, analyze data, solve complex problems, manage multiple priorities, and influence outcomes across cross-functional teams.

Here's What You'll Bring to the Table

• Advanced analytical platforms: Experience with microfluidic, capillary electrophoretic, plate-based, or comparable high-throughput analytical technologies, including LabChip or similar platforms.
• Automation and high throughput: Experience designing, implementing, or improving automated or semi-automated laboratory workflows using liquid handlers, robotic systems, integrated workcells, or automated data processing.
• Advanced therapeutic modalities: Experience supporting mRNA, oligonucleotide, gene therapy, biologics, vaccines, lipid nanoparticles, or other advanced therapeutic modalities.
• Method lifecycle and regulated environments: Knowledge of analytical procedure lifecycle management, data integrity, GMP/GLP expectations, and phase-appropriate method control.
• Digital laboratory systems: Experience with LIMS, ELN, chromatography data systems, laboratory scheduling tools, automated data pipelines, or instrument integration.
• External collaboration: Experience partnering with contract laboratories, external development or manufacturing organizations, instrument vendors, or automation providers.
• Ways of working: Strong scientific judgment, technical writing, collaboration, communication, and the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical operational solutions.
• Mindset: Proactive, curious, data-driven, and committed to quality, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and Moderna's mission.

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.