Principal Scientist, Bioanalytical & Molecular Assays

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Moderna seeks a Principal Scientist in Bioanalytical & Molecular Assays at Harwell, United Kingdom. This senior individual contributor will guide molecular and genomic biomarker strategies across a clinical portfolio, delivering end-to-end development, validation and transfer of RT-qPCR, dPCR and NGS based assays. You will collaborate with Clinical Development, Biomarkers, Translational Medicine, Bioanalytics, Regulatory Affairs and QA to align assay plans with program goals while ensuring quality. Requirements include PhD with 9+ years or MS with 12+ years, strong qPCR/dPCR/NGS experience, GCLP/GLP familiarity, and bioinformatics pipelines. To apply, tailor your CV to show end-to-end lifecycle delivery, cross-functional leadership and a proven track record of collaboration in a fast onsite environment.

The Role:

Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients.

This role is based at Moderna’s Harwell site and offers the opportunity to shape the future of molecular and genomic biomarker strategies across a diverse clinical portfolio. Working at the intersection of molecular biology, bioanalysis, genomics, informatics, and clinical development, you will play a critical role in advancing programs from discovery through clinical development while helping translate clinical insights into future pipeline opportunities.

As a senior individual contributor within the Molecular Assays team, you will provide scientific and technical leadership for the development, validation, and deployment of advanced molecular assays that generate high-quality clinical data to support decision-making across multiple therapeutic programs. You will operate with significant independence, partnering across functions to deliver innovative assay solutions while leveraging emerging digital and data-driven approaches, including opportunities to engage with advanced analytics and Generative AI-enabled tools that accelerate scientific discovery and operational excellence.

Here's What You'll Do:

• Provide hands-on scientific leadership and laboratory support for the design, development, optimization, and delivery of fit-for-purpose molecular assays supporting clinical endpoints.
• Lead the development and implementation of RT-qPCR, dPCR, and NGS-based assays across a broad range of applications, including gene expression, viral load analysis, mRNA pharmacokinetics, bulk RNA sequencing, targeted RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, TCR/BCR repertoire profiling, targeted DNA panels, and pathogen or viral sequencing.
• Own end-to-end assay lifecycle activities, including method development, qualification, validation, and technology transfer to internal laboratories and external CRO partners.
• Author and review validation plans, reports, protocols, acceptance criteria, and supporting technical documentation in accordance with GCLP requirements and industry best practices.
• Ensure assays are scientifically robust, reproducible, scalable, and aligned with clinical program objectives and regulatory expectations.
• Oversee phase-appropriate clinical sample testing activities, ensuring rigorous quality control, quality assurance, data integrity, and operational excellence throughout assay execution.
• Lead deviation investigations, CAPA activities, and inspection-readiness efforts to support compliance and audit preparedness.
• Serve as a scientific subject matter expert for molecular assay strategies across multiple clinical development programs spanning Phase 1 through Phase 3.
• Work independently while providing matrix leadership across multidisciplinary teams of molecular biologists, NGS scientists, and bioinformaticians.
• Mentor colleagues and contribute to the continued development of scientific capabilities across the organization.
• Partner closely with Clinical Development, Biomarkers and Translational Medicine, Bioanalytics, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Data and IT teams to ensure alignment between assay strategies and broader program goals.
• Integrate basic science research, bioanalytical approaches, genomics, and informatics to support clinical development decisions and generate actionable biological insights.
• Reverse-engineer clinical findings to identify novel scientific opportunities that can inform and strengthen Moderna’s future pipeline.
• Effectively communicate scientific strategies, project plans, risks, challenges, and study outcomes to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Influence cross-functional decision-making by translating complex molecular and genomic data into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Contribute to the adoption of innovative technologies, advanced computational approaches, and AI-enabled solutions that enhance assay development, data interpretation, and translational research capabilities.
• Thrive within a fast-moving, highly collaborative environment where scientific rigor, innovation, and patient impact remain central to every decision.

The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:

• We obsess over learning. We don’t have to be the smartest we have to learn the fastest.
• We act with dynamic range, driving strategy and execution at the same time at every step.

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

Education

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genomics, or related field with 9+ years of biotech/pharma experience (or M.S. with 12+ years of directly relevant experience).

Technical Expertise

• Deep, hands‑on experience developing and validating clinical qPCR, dPCR, NGS assays and managing end‑to‑end workflows from method development, validation, sample testing and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of GCLP/GLP guidelines preferred and requirements for phase‑appropriate validation for clinical trial biomarker/endpoints; familiarity with GxP/MHRA/GCLP/ICH expectations and inspection readiness.
• Proficiency with library prep (amplicon, hybrid capture, poly(A)/RNA workflows), nucleic acid extraction from diverse matrices, and orthogonal QC (Bioanalyzer/Tapestation, qPCR/dPCR).
• Demonstrated track record building and validating bioinformatics pipelines
• Experience integrating genomics data and instrumentation with LIMS/ELN, data governance, and secure handling of clinical data strongly desired.

Pay & Benefits

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

• Best-in-class 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 building benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, 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 benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.

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. 

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. 

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. 

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment. 

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 committed to equal opportunity in employment 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. 

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 accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment 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 and Adjustments team at [email protected]. 

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