The Role

Moderna is seeking a Manufacturing Associate II to join Research Analytics – High Throughput Operations in Cambridge, MA. This hands-on role supports the reliable, reproducible, and timely production of DNA, mRNA, and Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) materials used across Moderna’s research portfolio. The Manufacturing Associate II independently executes established high-throughput workflows, operates manual and automated laboratory systems, documents work accurately, and applies process knowledge to recognize and resolve routine issues.

The successful candidate will combine strong operational discipline with scientific curiosity and a continuous-improvement mindset. They will work closely with colleagues in Research Analytics and cross-functional partners across all areas of Research to support material generation for enabling scientific advancements. 

Success in this role requires strong technical execution, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while balancing multiple priorities. The candidate is expected to be collaborative, capable of working in a fast-paced environment, uphold and maintain safe and organized laboratory operations, all while delivering high-quality materials under ambitious timelines. This position is expected to work Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; schedule flexibility may occasionally be required to meet urgent business needs, while regular working hours are subjective to change.

Here’s What You Will Do:

In this role, you will execute day-to-day high-throughput manufacturing activities that support the production of DNA, mRNA, and Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) materials for Moderna's research programs. You will prepare and process samples, reagents, consumables, and production materials while operating both manual and automated laboratory equipment, including integrated liquid-handling systems and other production instrumentation. You will accurately complete production records and digital documentation while ensuring laboratory activities meet quality, safety, and data integrity expectations.

You will monitor production processes, identify routine process or equipment issues, perform appropriate first-line troubleshooting, and partner with technical experts to support investigations and issue resolution when needed. Using operational data and process knowledge, you will contribute to improving workflow efficiency, equipment utilization, material flow, turnaround time, and overall laboratory performance while supporting implementation of new automation, digital capabilities, and operational improvements.

Working closely with colleagues across many teams, such as Research Analytics, Quality Control, Engineering, Automation, Informatics, you will help coordinate and execute production activities, communicate priorities and production status, and ensure successful handoffs between teams. As an experienced team member, you will also support onboarding and task-level training of peers, contribute to maintaining an organized and inspection-ready laboratory, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

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

• Associate’s (4+ years of relevant experience) or Bachelor’s (2+ years of relevant experience) degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.  Equivalent combinations of education and direct manufacturing experience will also be considered.

• Hands-on experience executing laboratory or manufacturing workflows using established procedures within a quality-focused, regulated, or fast-paced environment.

• Experience operating laboratory instrumentation, automated equipment, or integrated production systems.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and consistently deliver accurate, high-quality, and reproducible results.

• Strong attention to detail with experience maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to data integrity, material traceability, quality, and laboratory safety requirements.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

• Ability to perform hands-on laboratory work for extended periods and meet applicable laboratory gowning and physical requirements.

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

• Experience working in high-throughput, automation-enabled, or plate-based laboratory operations.

• Hands-on experience with Hamilton liquid handlers or comparable automated liquid-handling platforms.

• Familiarity with one or more of the following workflows: molecular DNA assembly, plasmid production, in vitro transcription, RNA purification, LNP formulation, or associated analytical methods.

• Experience using laboratory digital systems, electronic batch records (EBRs), Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), inventory management systems, or production tracking applications.

• Experience supporting process optimization, Lean, 5S, continuous improvement, laboratory organization, safety, or operational excellence initiatives.

• Experience using operational metrics or production data to identify workflow bottlenecks, improve laboratory performance, and enhance manufacturing efficiency.

• Experience onboarding, training, mentoring, or sharing technical knowledge with peers on established laboratory or manufacturing workflows.

• Demonstrated curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new manufacturing technologies, automation platforms, digital tools, and scientific workflows.

Working Conditions

• This is an on-site, laboratory-based position in Cambridge, MA.

• The role requires routine use of personal protective equipment and adherence to laboratory gowning, safety, and waste-handling procedures.

• The role may require standing for extended periods, repetitive pipetting or material-handling activities, and occasional lifting consistent with site requirements.

• Occasional schedule adjustments or overtime may be needed to support critical production activities.

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. #LI-NH1

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