Scientist, Flow Core, Research Analytics Full-time

Scientist, Flow Cytometry Core

This position requires a highly skilled and motivated scientist to support and advance the Flow Cytometry Core within the Research Analytics team. This role is critical to enabling high-quality, high-throughput cytometry workflows that support both exploratory and translational research across Moderna's pipeline.

In this role, the individual will operate at the intersection of scientific expertise and project execution—leveraging deep knowledge in flow cytometry while owning the planning, coordination, and delivery of cytometry-based workstreams across multiple programs. Success in this role requires the ability to translate complex biological questions into executable strategies, while managing timelines, priorities, and stakeholder expectations in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Depending on experience of the candidate, the individual will contribute as a technical expert or lead multiple parallel workstreams, driving assay innovation, operational excellence, and cross-functional alignment to ensure high-quality data delivery that directly informs therapeutic development across modalities.

Here's What You Will Do

• Operate in a highly collaborative, dynamic environment within the multidisciplinary Research Analytics team, partnering broadly across therapeutic areas and research functions.
• Be responsible not only for generating high-quality cytometry data, but also for owning end-to-end execution of cytometry support across projects, from experimental design through data delivery and follow-up.
• This role requires strong scientific thinking, technical excellence, and disciplined project management. You will balance hands-on assay execution with coordination across stakeholders, ensuring that priorities are aligned, timelines are met, and data outputs are both rigorous and actionable.

• Formulate hypotheses and design flow cytometry-based experimental strategies aligned with project goals and timelines.
• Own and manage cytometry support for multiple concurrent projects, ensuring clear prioritization, communication, and on-time delivery.
• Partner with stakeholders to define scope, experimental plans, and success criteria for cytometry-based studies.
• Independently execute and optimize high-parameter flow cytometry assays with strong attention to quality, reproducibility, and efficiency.
• Lead coordination of sample flow, assay scheduling, and data generation across multiple programs.
• Track project progress, identify risks, and proactively communicate updates, challenges, and mitigation strategies.
• Analyze, interpret, and present complex cytometry datasets, translating results into clear, actionable insights for project teams.
• Drive improvements in assay robustness, throughput, and scalability, including integration with automated workflows where applicable.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new cytometry methods and technologies (e.g., spectral flow, high-dimensional analysis, automation applications for Flow).
• Operate effectively within a matrixed environment, balancing competing priorities with urgency and transparency.
• Troubleshoot technical and operational challenges related to instrumentation, assay performance, and workflow execution.
• Lead project portfolios, mentor junior staff, and establish best practices for project management and core operations.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, data integrity, and regulatory standards.
• Author and maintain documentation including protocols, project plans, and standard operating procedures.

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

• One of the following: B.S. with extensive industry experience (6-12 years)
• Strong hands-on experience with flow cytometry assay design, execution, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage and deliver on multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience coordinating work across stakeholders in a matrixed or cross-functional environment.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills for high-dimensional cytometry datasets.
• Proven ability to operate with urgency and accountability in a fast-paced research setting.
• 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)

• M.S. with significant experience (4-10 years) in Flow Cytometry; or Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, or related field with relevant experience (0-3 years)
• Expertise in high-parameter conventional or spectral flow cytometry.
• Hands on experience on Cytek Aurora, SONY ID7000,Cytek Aurora CS, SONY MA900 or BD S6 analyzers/cell sorters.
• Proficiency in tissue processing and single cell isolation for flow cytometry and immunoassay applications.
• Experience working in a core lab or shared resource environment with multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated strength in project planning, prioritization, and stakeholder communication.
• Familiarity with cytometry data analysis tools (e.g., FlowJo, OMIQ, R/Python-based workflows) and Prism for graphing.
• Experience integrating automation or high-throughput approaches into assay workflows.
• Strong background in immunology, immune profiling, or translational research.
• Experience supporting multiple therapeutic areas or modalities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor or train junior scientists.
• Exposure to advanced analytical approaches (e.g., dimensionality reduction, clustering, multi-omics integration).
• Working knowledge of both FluoroSpot and ELISpot assays for cytokine detection.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to distill complex data into clear recommendations.