Job Description

Principal Research Associate, Cancer Vaccines Research BioSpace – Principal Research Associate within Moderna’s cancer vaccine platform. Role Overview Moderna is committed to harnessing the power of mRNA technology to revolutionize cancer immunotherapy. The Principal Research Associate supports the advancement of our cancer vaccine platform through pre‑clinical studies, focusing on deep immune profiling. Responsibilities Develop, optimize, and execute primary immune cell‑based assays using mouse and human samples to evaluate responses to mRNA‑based cancer vaccines with minimal guidance. Design and implement high‑parameter flow cytometry panels for in‑depth immune profiling; analyze and interpret complex cytometry data. Isolate and culture immune cell subsets from blood, tumors, and lymphoid tissues using standard and novel techniques. Contribute to the design of preclinical in vivo tumor regression studies and participate in immunogenicity assays to assess vaccine mechanisms of action. Execute and adapt protocols with minimal guidance; troubleshoot and incorporate new techniques by reviewing current literature. Collaborate across functional teams to plan studies, interpret results, and share findings through presentations and written reports. Assist junior team members with experiment design and protocol optimization. Maintain rigorous documentation and contribute to regulatory filings and project deliverables. Qualifications BS with 5+ years of relevant experience or MS with 2+ years in immunology, immuno‑oncology, cancer biology, or related fields. Strong preference for industry experience supporting immunology‑focused drug discovery or translational research. Independent proficiency in high‑parameter flow cytometry (including intracellular cytokine staining); experience with BD and/or Cytek platforms preferred. Proven expertise in ex vivo functional assays, including flow cytometry, ELISpot, ELISA, and reporter‑based systems. Hands‑on experience with immune cell isolation and culture from both human and murine sources. Experience with genome editing workflows using CRISPR‑Cas9 and/or lentiviral systems in mammalian cells preferred. Familiarity with in vivo models of cancer and/or immunization, including immune organ and tissue collection, processing, and related immune function assays. Strong critical thinking and communication skills with the ability to proactively identify and address experimental challenges. Demonstrated ability to work in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment while maintaining attention to detail and scientific rigor. For this role, we are currently unable to offer immigration sponsorship. Candidates must already hold work authorization in the U.S. and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship. Benefits Best‑in‑class healthcare coverage, plus a suite of voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs. Holistic approach to well‑being with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support. Lifestyle Spending Accounts to personalize your well‑being journey. Family planning and adoption benefits. Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year‑end shutdown. Savings and investment opportunities. Location‑specific perks and extras. 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. Working Model We have always believed an in‑person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the benefits of in‑office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model: 70% in‑office, 30% remote, fostering a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. 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. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Accommodations We are 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 should contact the Accommodations team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr BioSpace

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