Scientist, Process Development (Formulation)

The Role

Moderna is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Individual to develop stable fit-for-purpose enzyme formulations for DNA template manufacturing in support of Modernas mRNA medicines portfolio.

This lab-based role will design and execute formulation stability compatibility and use-condition studies for enzymes used in DNA manufacturing workflows. The work will translate enzyme performance needs into practical formulation compositions storage conditions and handling instructions that preserve activity consistency and process performance.

The Candidate will work most closely with enzyme process development and analytical development to define formulation requirements measure enzyme performance and troubleshoot stability or activity losses. As formulations mature this individual will provide technical inputs to tech transfer formulation process into manufacturing with clear material attributes handling controls and documentation.

Heres What Youll Do

• Design and execute enzyme formulation studies to identify buffer pH ionic strength stabilizer surfactant cryoprotectant concentration and storage conditions for enzymes used in DNA template manufacturing.
• Develop stability study designs that evaluate enzyme activity purity degradation aggregation adsorption concentration recovery and functional performance under process-relevant conditions.
• Assess formulation robustness during freeze/thaw hold time dilution mixing temperature exposure agitation contact-material exposure and other handling conditions relevant to development and manufacturing use.
• Use enzyme activity assays biochemical/biophysical characterization and DNA process performance readouts to connect formulation attributes to manufacturing outcomes.
• Identify degradation or performance-loss mechanisms and propose formulation or handling changes based on scientific rationale and experimental data.
• Apply DOE risk-based study design and fit-for-purpose scale-down models to accelerate formulation selection and define practical operating ranges.
• Partner with analytical development to select or establish methods that are suitable for enzyme formulation screening stability assessment and use-condition characterization.
• Partner with DNA process development to ensure enzyme formulations meet process needs for performance robustness usability and manufacturability.
• Prepare clear protocols technical reports data summaries handling recommendations and transfer-ready documentation.
• Support implementation of selected enzyme formulations by providing technical rationale troubleshooting guidance and material/control strategy inputs to manufacturing sciences CMC and Quality partners as needed.
• Stay current with advances in protein/enzyme formulation biologics stability excipient selection and high-throughput or miniaturized formulation screening approaches.
  

Heres What Youll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Chemical Engineering Biochemical Engineering or a related discipline; or MS with 5 years or BS with 8 years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on experience in protein enzyme biologics or drug product formulation development.
• Strong understanding of protein/enzyme stability and degradation mechanisms including aggregation oxidation deamidation hydrolysis precipitation adsorption thermal stress freeze/thaw stress and interfacial stress.
• Experience designing and executing formulation screens excipient compatibility studies forced degradation studies accelerated stability studies hold-time studies or use-condition studies.
• Experience using analytical biochemical biophysical or functional assays to characterize protein or enzyme formulations and interpret results in the context of performance.
• Ability to analyze data identify formulation risks troubleshoot technical issues and recommend next studies or formulation changes.
• Strong laboratory execution documentation technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional development environment and manage multiple studies or priorities in parallel.
• 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.
  

Heres What Youll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience with enzymes used in DNA or nucleic acid manufacturing such as polymerases restriction enzymes nucleases ligases phosphatases or other DNA-modifying enzymes.
• Experience with DNA template production plasmid DNA synthetic DNA mRNA RNA LNP oligonucleotide vaccine or other nucleic-acid-based platforms.
• Experience developing liquid frozen refrigerated or lyophilized protein/enzyme formulations and defining fit-for-purpose storage and handling requirements.
• Experience with characterization methods such as enzyme activity assays chromatography electrophoresis or CE UV/Vis DLS DSC/DSF osmolality pH subvisible particle analysis or related stability-indicating methods.
• Experience with high-throughput formulation screening automation miniaturized scale-down models statistical analysis or DOE.
• Experience preparing technical packages for technology transfer manufacturing troubleshooting regulatory-supporting documentation or phase-appropriate CMC deliverables.
• Familiarity with container-closure systems single-use materials adsorption risk extractables/leachables considerations or material compatibility assessments.
• Knowledge of GMP GLP or phase-appropriate development expectations for biologics enzymes or critical raw materials used in manufacturing.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna we believe that when you feel your best you can do your best work. Thats why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support youat 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

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 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 persons 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 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

Were 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 .

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