Scientist, Analytical Technical Operations
Moderna · Norwood, Massachusetts, United States · onsite
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 (Preferred Qualifications)
- 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 equit