The Role:
The Pilot Scale Operations team is seeking a highly motivated full-time Manufacturing Associate II to primarily support pilot-scale DNA production at Moderna's Norwood, MA site. This role will support established DNA manufacturing processes in a fast-paced technical development environment, enabling the production of plasmid DNA and other DNA materials in support of Annual Strain Updates, Early Development and additional downstream manufacturing activities.
A successful candidate will have hands-on experience in a biotechnology manufacturing, development, quality, or laboratory environment and will be able to execute procedures with independence, attention to detail, and strong documentation discipline. Once trained and qualified, this individual may lead established DNA manufacturing process executions with appropriate support and oversight.
This role requires strong communication, safe work habits, operational ownership, and a collaborative mindset to support daily manufacturing execution, troubleshooting, continuous improvement, and team readiness. The individual may also cross-train and provide support across other Pilot Scale Operations manufacturing processes based on business needs.
Here's What You'll Do
Execute established DNA manufacturing processes and unit operations according to approved procedures and laboratory expectations; lead established process executions once trained and qualified.
Prepare buffers, media, materials, equipment, and work areas to ensure successful and timely manufacturing execution.
Operate, clean, and maintain laboratory and DNA manufacturing equipment in accordance with established procedures and safety expectations.
Practice Good Laboratory Practices, Good Documentation Practices, and accurate material, sample, and process tracking throughout manufacturing execution.
Maintain manufacturing areas in a state of operational readiness and in accordance with safety, housekeeping, and 5S expectations.
Identify and communicate process, equipment, material, documentation, or safety issues with clear context and appropriate urgency.
Support troubleshooting and investigation activities by providing accurate observations, execution details, and process knowledge.
Collaborate with process development, engineering, laboratory operations, and other cross-functional partners to support manufacturing readiness and execution.
Support onboarding, peer training, continuous improvement, and operational excellence activities as appropriate.
Cross-train and provide operational support for additional Pilot Scale Operations processes as business needs require.
Here's What You'll Bring to the Table
BS/BA in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical or Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific or engineering field, with 0-2 years of relevant experience.
Hands-on experience in biotechnology manufacturing, process development, or a laboratory environment preferred.
Experience with DNA/plasmid manufacturing, microbial fermentation, chromatography, filtration, or other nucleic acid manufacturing processes is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to follow technical procedures, execute complex processes, and maintain accurate and contemporaneous documentation.
Strong technical problem-solving skills and the ability to recognize and escalate process or equipment abnormalities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing production needs in a fast-paced development environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team.
Strong commitment to safe work practices, operational discipline, and continuous improvement.
This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna's site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.
Pay & Benefits
At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
- Competitive 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 planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, 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 salary range for this role is $63,200.00 - $100,900.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.
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.
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.
Our Working Model
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.
Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.
Equal Opportunities
Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity 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. 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 an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Accommodations
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 accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation 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 team at [email protected].
Export Control Notice This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.-
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field
- 0–2 years of related experience
- Demonstrated success in bioprocess development
- Technical problem-solving experience
- Technology transfer experience
- Hands-on tangential flow filtration experience
- Ability to multitask
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work full-time on site; role is not eligible for remote work
- Eligibility as a U.S. person under applicable export control laws
Moderna Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Moderna and has not been reviewed or approved by Moderna.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is commonly characterized as fair, competitive, and a financial positive, with base pay complemented by bonus and other cash elements.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Long-term rewards commonly include stock options and RSUs, positioning equity as a meaningful part of overall compensation rather than an occasional add-on.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-related support is extensive, including fully paid parental leave, paid family caregiver leave, family-building benefits such as fertility/adoption/surrogacy support, and childcare resources.
Moderna Insights
What We Do
At Moderna, we believe messenger RNA, or mRNA, is the “software of life.” Every cell in the body uses mRNA to provide real-time instructions to make the proteins necessary to drive all aspects of biology, including in human health and disease. Given its essential role, we believe mRNA could be used to create a new category of medicines with significant potential to improve the lives of patients. We are pioneering a new class of medicines made of messenger RNA, or mRNA. The potential implications of using mRNA as a drug are significant and far-reaching and could meaningfully improve how medicines are discovered, developed and manufactured. To learn more, visit www.modernatx.com. This Moderna page is not the appropriate place to report adverse events (side-effects) for any products. If you are or someone you know is experiencing a side effect, please reach out to your healthcare professional. Moderna is continuously monitoring the safety of its products. We encourage you to report any side effects directly to us at 1‑866‑MODERNA (1‑866‑663‑3762).
