Sr. Research Associate, RNA Innovation

Sr. Research Associate, RNA Innovation

locations

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Research

time type

Full time

posted on

Posted Today

time left to apply

End Date: October 2, 2026 (2 days left to apply)

job requisition id

R19797

The Role

In this role you will translate emerging RNA technology concepts into experimentally validated design principles that can inform the next generation of RNA medicines.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Build and execute a rapid RNA technology evaluation capability to experimentally assess emerging RNA concepts and determine their potential and applicability.
• Design, synthesize, and characterize novel RNA designs with new features.
• Partner with platform teams to design focused, decision-relevant experiments that evaluate RNA fate, stability, potency, translation, and biological response.
• Own experiments from concept through interpretation, including experimental design, RNA synthesis and characterization, assay execution, troubleshooting, data analysis, and communication of findings.
• Develop and adapt experimental approaches to rapidly test new hypotheses, including implementing unfamiliar techniques or workflows when needed.
• Translate experimental results into actionable insights, identifying structure–function relationships and design principles that can guide future RNA technology development.
• Collaborate cross-functionally across platform teams to ensure that experimental learnings are shared and incorporated into broader technology and platform strategy.
• Maintain rigorous experimental documentation and deliver high-quality, reproducible data with the speed and scientific rigor needed to support technology decisions.

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

• BS in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline, with 2 plus years of relevant hands-on research experience.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Strong hands-on experience in one or more areas of RNA synthesis, IVT RNA production, oligonucleotide handling, RNA assembly, or nucleic-acid chemical biology.
• Experience with RNA analytical characterization and one or more functional RNA assay platforms, such as RT-qPCR, sequencing, reporter assays, mammalian cell culture, or protein-expression measurements.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and implement new experimental techniques quickly, troubleshoot technically challenging workflows, and independently advance experiments from initial concept to interpretable data.
• Strong scientific curiosity and an interest in understanding how RNA features influence RNA function and biological fate.
• Ability to critically analyze experimental data, identify meaningful trends, and use results to propose and prioritize subsequent experiments.
• Excellent organizational, experimental record-keeping, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• A strong bias toward experimentation, scientific rigor, and generating high-quality, decision-driving data with urgency.
• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

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 $74,000.00 - $118,400.00. 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.

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 modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.

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.

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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About Us

Our Mission and Vision

At Moderna we are pioneering the development of a new class of drugs made of messenger RNA (mRNA). This novel drug platform builds on the discovery that modified mRNA ca