Manufacturing Associate II, Research Analytics, High Throughput Operations

About this role

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 acti

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