Senior Research Associate, Analytical Development

If you’re interested in this role, please apply in English and include an English version of your Resume/CV.   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. Moderna is expanding its presence in Shonan, Japan, with a new site for Moderna Enzymatics. This location will focus on advancing enzyme innovation to support and strengthen our mRNA platform. In Shonan, we combine scientific expertise and technical excellence to accelerate next generation solutions that power our medicines. We welcome talent driven by innovation and committed to shaping the future of biotechnology. In this role, you will support both analytical development and quality control activities for enzyme products used in meDNA synthesis. You will help advance analytical strategies and apply scientifically rigorous methodologies to evaluate enzyme cocktail performance, component protein quality, and product readiness for research and clinical use. Working closely with cross functional teams across Analytical Development, Process Development (PD), and Platform Technology & Industrialization (PTI), you will generate high quality analytical data, strengthen product evaluation frameworks, and contribute to shipment and release readiness for Moderna Enzymatics materials. This role also offers the opportunity to work alongside teams advancing digital and next generation biotechnology capabilities, including exposure to innovative data driven and AI enabled approaches supporting analytical science and operational excellence. Here’s What You’ll Do Develop, establish, optimize, and improve analytical methods used to evaluate the performance and quality of enzyme cocktails supporting meDNA synthesis. Design, develop, and refine scientifically sound analytical test methods for component proteins within enzyme cocktails to enable objective performance assessment and robust characterization. Execute analytical testing activities and perform data analysis for enzyme products, component proteins, and development samples generated by Process Development (PD) and Platform Technology & Industrialization (PTI) teams. Generate analytical datasets to support method development activities, sample characterization, technical investigations, and cross functional decision making across development programs. Support quality control operations for enzyme products manufactured by Moderna Enzymatics, including analytical testing activities required to support product release and shipment decisions. Prepare Statements of Analysis and associated quality documentation for released enzyme materials. Maintain accurate and compliant documentation of experimental activities, analytical results, raw data, and supporting records in alignment with applicable procedures and quality expectations. Collaborate closely with cross functional partners across Analytical Development, PD, PTI, and additional functions to support analytical strategy execution, quality evaluation activities, shipment readiness, and continuous operational improvement. Contribute to analytical problem solving, technical discussions, and process improvements that strengthen the reliability, consistency, and scientific rigor of enzyme product evaluation. Support local site activities at iPark Fujisawa while partnering with broader global teams contributing to Moderna’s expanding enzyme and mRNA technology platform. Perform additional responsibilities and project activities as assigned. 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 digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.” Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications) · Master’s degree or above in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline. · 2+ years of industry experience in analytical testing, quality control, or a related function. · Hands-on experience with HPLC for analytical testing. · Hands-on experience in molecular biology and protein-related analytical testing. · Experience generating, analyzing, and documenting experimental data in a laboratory environment. · Ability to read scientific literature and technical protocols in English and communicate effectively in Japanese in a business setting. · Ability to work on-site at iPark Fujisawa, Japan. · 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. Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications ) · Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, particularly in analytical or quality control roles. · Experience with LC-MS and other analytical techniques used for biomolecule characterization. · Experience in protein activity assays and characterization of enzyme products. · Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including PCR, DNA cloning, E. coli culture and transformation, and plasmid DNA purification. · Experience using analytical instruments such as qPCR systems and plate readers for DNA, RNA, and enzyme analysis. · Experience with DNA sequence analysis workflows, including sample preparation and data analysis. · Experience working with small-volume samples and performing routine analytical work with a high degree of reproducibility. · Demonstrated ability to balance routine analytical responsibilities with research and development support. · Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach in a dynamic environment. · A desi