Associate Director, Process Development (Fermentation)

The Role

Moderna is seeking an Associate Director, Process Development to lead upstream/fermentation process development for E. coli-based production of recombinant enzymes, plasmids, and related biological starting materials critical to Moderna’s technology platforms and pipeline programs.

This role translates strain, vector, and expression-screening outputs into robust, scalable, and manufacturable processes, with responsibility for microbial fermentation, cell banking strategy, scale-up/scale-down, process characterization, technology transfer, and CMC support.

The successful candidate will bring strong technical judgment in E. coli physiology and fermentation engineering and will partner closely with strain and expression screening, downstream purification, analytical development, quality, manufacturing, and CMC teams.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Lead upstream/fermentation process development for E. coli-based production of recombinant enzymes, plasmids, and related biological materials.

• Manage a team and translate strain, vector, and screening outputs into scalable fermentation processes with clear development strategies, success criteria, and manufacturing-readiness plans.

• Develop and optimize high-cell-density fed-batch fermentation processes, including media/feed design, induction strategy, and key parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, agitation, aeration, backpressure, and harvest criteria.

• Apply DOE, scale-down models, and href="https://www.modernatx.com/en-US/careers/life-at-moderna">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. #LI-TR2

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