2026 Co-Op, Process Chemistry and Development, Analytical Development

The Role

We are seeking a Process or Chemical Engineer to support qualification and operational readiness efforts for a small molecule GMP facility in Waltham. This is a hands-on, execution role focused on assessing equipment setup, supporting equipment start-up and qualification activities, and developing practical operating procedures to enable safe kilo- to pilot-scale synthetic operations.

This individual will work closely with senior personnel in Process Chemistry Development, Engineering, QA, and EHS to bring equipment into reliable and compliant operation.  This role involves hands-on use of reactors, filters, distillation equipment, drying equipment, etc to support synthetic chemical operations.

This position will run from July 13th-December 11th, 2026.

Here's What You’ll Do

• Equipment Assessment & Operational Readiness: Evaluate inherited pilot-scale and kilo-lab equipment

• Identify capability gaps, risks, and remediation actions

• Support equipment qualification readiness and commissioning activities

• Provide practical recommendations for safe and compliant operation

• Hands-On Process Execution: Operate kilo- and pilot-scale synthetic equipment, including:

  • Jacketed and Glass-lined reactors

  • Filtration and drying systems

  • TFF systems

  • Chromatography systems

• Troubleshoot mechanical and process performance issues

• Establish safe operating envelopes and batch execution parameters

• Enable small molecule GMP and non-GMP production readiness

• Risk Assessment & Safety: Partner with Process Chemistry, Moderna Leadership, and EHS to ensure safe execution of scale-up activities

• Procedure & Documentation Support: Contribute technical content to SOPs, equipment operating procedures, and batch records

• Support cleaning strategies and equipment use documentation

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

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline

• Comfortable working in environments with incomplete documentation and evolving systems

• Pragmatic problem-solver with bias toward learning and implementing solutions.

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

• 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)

• Execution-focused and comfortable in a hands-on role

• Practical, collaborative, and comfortable working in startup-like ambiguity

• Able to think strategically while remaining grounded in operational realities

• Within the engagement period, this individual will:

• Establish clear understanding of inherited equipment capabilities and risks

• Enable safe and reliable execution of pilot/kilo operations

• Support qualification readiness and GMP commissioning milestones

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 $20.00 - $60.00. 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 leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. 

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.

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