Scientist, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory, Immuno-assays (Cell Based)

Moderna

Oxford, United Kingdom

Moderna is seeking a talented and driven Scientist to join the Immuno-assays group in Harwell, UK. This hands-on role will serve as a scientific point of contact for cell-based immunoassay development, qualification/validation, and clinical sample testing across multiple therapeutic areas. The successful candidate will bring deep technical expertise in immunology and infectious disease assays, and will support Moderna’s mRNA clinical programs through delivery of high-quality, regulatory-compliant data.

The Scientist will lead assay development and validation activities, conduct clinical sample analyses under GCP/GLP, and coach junior staff. With access to cutting-edge technologies and collaborative partnerships, this position also presents an exciting opportunity to work close to the forefront of Generative AI applications in laboratory informatics and analytics. As a critical member of the Immuno-assay UK team, the successful candidate will drive scientific excellence, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to advance Moderna’s global pipeline.

Here's What You’ll Do:

Your key responsibilities will be:

Serve as the primary analyst for assigned projects, including assay development, qualification/validation, and clinical sample testing under GCP/GLP conditions;
Ensure high-quality, regulatory-compliant data is generated to support global clinical trials;
Author technical reports, maintain meticulous training and quality records, and communicate findings at project team meetings;
Represent the Immunoassay Team as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and contribute to strategic planning;
Evaluate and adopt novel technologies to address complex scientific challenges.

Your responsibilities will also include:

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on assay innovations and operational improvements;
Train and coach junior laboratory staff, supporting performance reviews and skill development;
Ensure lab compliance with safety protocols and quality systems (GLP, GCP, ISO);
Participate in technical conferences and professional development travel, as required;
Flexibly accommodate occasional weekend or overtime work to meet critical program needs.

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.”;
This role demands constant learning—whether adapting to the latest immunological techniques, incorporating regulatory guidance, or understanding complex clinical trial designs. Your ability to learn rapidly and share knowledge will accelerate team performance and assay reliability;
“We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.”;
With opportunities to work closely with modern digital systems and explore the intersection of laboratory science and AI-enabled analytics, your computational skills and digital mindset will be crucial in driving Moderna’s data-centric development model.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:

Ph.D. > 2 yrs or BSC/MSc with >6 years' experience in immunology, or related field conducting assay validation in clinical Immunology under GLP/GCLP environment;
A background in infectious diseases, virology, bacteriology or oncology and experience with handling laboratory pathogens as containment level 3 is an advantage;
Experience and deep understanding of cell culture and cell-based assays, particularly bacteriology assays;
Strong level of understanding and expertise in design and executing efficacy testing in the context of clinical trial;
The ability to work in a cross-functional work environment is critical; strong leadership skills and independence skills are expected;
Excellent written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills; ability to influence and collaborate in a team environment and with external stakeholders;
Candidate will be curious in exploring new technology, bold in proposing creative experimental designs and ideas. Will work collaboratively with multifunctional teams and will be relentless in pursuing successful outcomes;
Possess strong computational skills, preferably experienced with Word, Excel, Power Point, GraphPad Prism;
Knowledge of system software for data analysis and statistical analysis;
Experience of working in a regulated environment GLP, GCP, ISO standards is required;
As part of Moderna’s commitment to workplace safety, this role may require an enhanced pre-employment check.