Research Associate / Engineer 1, Technical Development (Rotation Program)

The Role

This position is located in Norwood, MA and has a start date of August 4th, 2025.

The Technical Development organization at Moderna is looking for top talent in science and engineering to deliver on its mission to design manufacturing processes for mRNA medicines.  This posting is for a full-time position in Moderna’s Technical Development Rotation Program.  Rotation Program participants will have an exciting opportunity to explore different areas of mRNA therapeutic development through completing three 6-month rotations in Technical Development.  Participants will be part of high-performing project teams developing new manufacturing platforms to produce mRNA therapeutics and vaccines destined for clinical trials and commercial licensure.  You will apply your educational background and learn new technical skills in the synthesis of mRNA, assembly of lipid nanoparticles, and formulation of drug products.  Through completing an operational rotation, you will develop a deep understanding of how Technical Development’s efforts enable the manufacture of mRNA medicines.  Technical Development is based in Norwood, MA. 

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Work with a team of highly skilled experts to come up to speed on technology and techniques.

• Use laboratory, technical and communication skills to generate experimental results, perform data analysis, and document in formal reports including conclusions and recommended next steps.

• Perform process scale-up, support technology transfer and provide manufacturing support at internal Moderna, and external contract manufacturing sites.

• Participate in planning, design, execution, analysis of experiments and formal risk assessments to establish critical process parameters, and overall process control strategies.

• Optimize the impact of formulation and processing conditions on the stability of mRNA drug products and process intermediates.

• Review and share relevant academic literature and establish new collaborations with internal research and manufacturing groups.

• Create scaled-down models, and high throughput experimental setups for unit operations.

• Characterize mRNA and lipid nanoparticles through collaboration with the analytical team.

• Prepare technical reports and present finding in cross-functional meetings.

• Additional duties as may be assigned from time to time.

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

• Bachelors or Masters in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomolecular Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, Biostatistics, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Science, Statistics, or a related field

• Strong fundamental scientific and engineering skills for the evaluation of experimental data

• Laboratory skills applicable to bioprocess development and analytical methods

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

• GPA of 3.5 on a 4 scale or equivalent

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as the ability to contribute to high performing teams.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated aptitude or ability to learn in order to gain a strong understanding of GxP regulations (GxP, GMP, GLP)

• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Moderna is pleased to provide you and your family with a comprehensive and innovative suite of benefits, including:

• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
• Lifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activities
• Family care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoring
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes 
• Exclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipment
• Adoption and family-planning benefits
• Dedicated care coordination support for our LGBTQ+ community
• Generous paid time off, including:
  •    Vacation, sick time and holidays
  •    Volunteer time to participate within your community
  •    Discretionary year-end shutdown
  •    Paid sabbatical after 5 years; every 3