Research Associate / Engineer I, Technical Development (2026 Rotation Program)

The Role

This position is located in Norwood, MA and has a start date of August 3, 2026 .

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 (Basic Qualifications)

Bachelors or Masters Degree 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 preferred.

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

Laboratory skills applicable to bioprocess development and analytical methods

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.

This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.

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.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

Best-in-class healthcare coverage, 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 investment opportunities 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.