Principal Research Associate, Cancer Vaccines Research

The Role

Moderna is committed to harnessing the power of mRNA technology to revolutionize cancer immunotherapy. We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Principal Research Associate to support the advancement of our cancer vaccine platform through pre-clinical studies. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge pipeline through hands-on in vitro and in vivo experimentation, with a focus on deep immune profiling.

The successful candidate will bring substantial experience in flow cytometry and cellular immunology, with the ability to independently execute, troubleshoot, and refine immune-based assays. This role requires scientific curiosity, flexibility, and a strong collaborative spirit. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to design, implement, and analyze experiments that inform cancer vaccine discovery and development.

Here's What You'll Do

• 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.

Here's What You'll Bring to the Table

• Minimal 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.

• At Moderna, we are focused on delivering on our mission by enabling talent to thrive. For this role, we are currently unable to offer immigration sponsorship. Candidates must already hold work authorization in US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That's why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class healthcare coverage, 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 investment opportunities to help you plan for the future

• Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $87, $140, 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.

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.  

By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities. 

We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S. 

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit to learn more about our current opportunities. 

Our Working Model 

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. 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. 

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.  Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply

Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 

Accommodations

We're focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best. 

Moderna is 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 for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations team at  

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.

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