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

Role Summary

Research Associate/Engineer I, Technical Development (2026 Rotation Program) is a full-time position located in Norwood, MA, starting August 3, 2026. The role participates in Moderna’s Technical Development Rotation Program, exploring different areas of mRNA therapeutic development through three 6-month rotations and contributing to the design and manufacture of mRNA medicines.

Responsibilities

• Work with a team of experts to come up to speed on technology and techniques.
• Generate experimental results, perform data analysis, and document conclusions and next steps in formal reports.
• Perform process scale-up, support technology transfer, and provide manufacturing support at internal and contract manufacturing sites.
• Participate in planning, design, execution, and analysis of experiments and risk assessments to establish critical process parameters and control strategies.
• Optimize formulation and processing conditions for stability of mRNA drug products and intermediates.
• Review literature and establish collaborations with internal groups.
• Create scaled-down models and high throughput setups for unit operations.
• Characterize mRNA and lipid nanoparticles with the analytical team.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings in cross-functional meetings.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's or Master’s 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.
• Strong fundamental scientific and engineering skills for evaluating experimental data.
• Laboratory skills applicable to bioprocess development and analytical methods.
• Must already hold US work authorization and be able to maintain status without future sponsorship; no immigration sponsorship available.
• Full-time site-based role; remote work not available.

Skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of high-performing teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to learn and understand GxP regulations (GxP, GMP, GLP).

Education

• Relevant degree as listed in Qualifications (see above).

Additional Requirements

• None beyond those listed in Qualifications.