Scientist, Analytical Development

About the Role

Moderna is seeking a Scientist to join the CMC-Development organization in Norwood, MA. This lab-based role will support analytical method innovation and technology development for the characterization and control of lipid nanoparticle products. The role will involve identifying and applying new physical and biophysical methods, demonstrating their translatability to product and process control, and contributing to the fundamental understanding of pharmaceutical quality attributes of lipid nanoparticles, lipid membranes, and RNA-lipid complexes. The successful candidate will be collaborative, possess strong communication skills, and be flexible in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop novel biophysical methodologies, drive technology innovation, and identify/evaluate opportunities for analytical advancement.
• Design and execute experiments to advance analytical methodology for lipid nanoparticle characterization.
• Structurally characterize lipid membranes, lipid-RNA complexes, and lipid nanoparticle surface and colloidal properties to understand fundamental interactions driving LNP functionality.
• Represent the Advanced Characterization team in cross-functional groups and translate project goals into actionable plans.
• Collaborate cross-functionally in the application of biophysical methodologies.
• Prioritize work and provide technical leadership across multiple pipeline programs.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for structural characterization methods applied to product understanding and process control.
• Document and present findings internally or externally.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Hands-on experience and expertise with several structural characterization techniques such as SAXS, NMR, DSC, ITC, SPR, light scattering, cryo-EM is mandatory.
• Deep scientific knowledge and practical experience with spectroscopic, physical, and thermodynamic techniques applicable to mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) characterization.
• Familiarity with analytical method development and pharmaceutical control strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong scientific curiosity.
• Self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented, with a commitment to scientific rigor, data integrity, laboratory safety, and high-quality documentation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 0-2 years of relevant experience; OR
• M.S. with 8+ years of relevant industry experience developing and applying structural characterization methods; OR
• B.S./B.A. with 10+ years of relevant industry experience developing and applying structural characterization methods.

This role is 100% onsite.

Salary Range: $109,200.00 - $174,600.00

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.