Research Associate/Engineer I, CMC Development (2027 Rotation Program)

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Norwood (MA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Well-being programs

Family planning benefits

Paid time off

Savings plan

Location-specific perks

Job summary

Moderna’s CMC Development Rotation Program in Norwood, MA invites highly motivated scientists and engineers to participate in three 6-month rotations, gaining exposure to mRNA manufacturing and formulation. This full-time, site-based role progresses through diverse projects, including scale-up, tech transfer, and analytics support for clinical and commercial programs.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, learn GMP practices, and contribute to process development of lipid

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in chemical/biochemical/biomolecular engineering, chemistry, or related field.
• Strong fundamentals in evaluating experimental data and lab skills in bioprocess development and analytics.
• US work authorization is required; no immigration sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a team to learn new technology and methods.
• Generate experimental results, analyze data, and document in formal reports.
• Scale-up processes, support tech transfer, and provide manufacturing support at internal and external sites.
• Plan, design, execute, and analyze experiments with risk assessments to establish process parameters and control strategies.
• Optimize formulation and processing conditions to improve stability of mRNA products.
• Review literature and establish cross-functional collaborations with internal groups.
• Develop scaled-down models and high-throughput workflows for unit operations.
• Characterize mRNA and lipid nanoparticles with the analytical team.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings in cross-functional meetings.

Skills

Bioprocess development

Data analysis

Analytical methods

Education

Chemical/Biochemical Eng or related field

Tools

Bioprocess equipment

Lipid nanoparticle formulation

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

The Role

This position is located in Norwood, MA and has a start date of July 19, 2027.

The CMC 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 CMC 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 CMC 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 CMC Development’s efforts enable the manufacture of mRNA medicines. CMC Development is based in Norwood, MA.

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 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.

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 (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 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 [e-mail].

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.