Production Associate/Sr. Production Associate, DNA Synthesis

Moderna is a clinical stage pioneer of messenger RNA Therapeutics™, an entirely new in vivo drug technology that produces human proteins, antibodies and entirely novel protein constructs inside patient cells, which are in turn secreted or active intracellularly.

Moderna is seeking a Production Associate for a position based at their Cambridge, MA site. The individual in this role will be responsible for producing DNA required as raw material for RNA synthesis. He/she will also be responsible for continuous improvement of production processes. This position will work closely with the DNA preps organization to help identify process improvements. The successful candidate must have training in liquid handlers, basic molecular biology techniques, and ability to work with custom automation.

• Clone DNA constructs as precursor raw material for RNA synthesis for preclinical targets
• Conduct DNA synthesis as per specifications
• Utilize traditional DNA cloning technologies to generate constructs of various sizes and complexities
• Conduct advanced molecular biology techniques to amplify specific fragments of DNA
• Conduct in-process quality control assays to ensure DNA constructs are within specifications
• Troubleshoot process issues and identify potential changes
• Utilize automated equipment to enable capacity and short turnaround time
• Identify process bottlenecks and work closely with process development on improvements
• Identify automation opportunities and help co-develop solutions with the automation group
• Closely work with DNA preps team to ensure harmonization of processes and workflows

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field, with at least 1 year of experience
• Ability to work in team settings
• Strong analytical skills
• Exceptional written and oral communication

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in fast-paced biotech company preferred
• Experience in complex sub-cloning methods
• Experience in sequence verification of DNA constructs

Competencies

• Flexibility/Adaptability to Change
• Accountability
• Decision making
• Contributing to Team Success
• Planning and Organizing
• Tenacity
• Work Standards