The Role
Joining Moderna offers the unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team that's revolutionizing medicine through mRNA technology, with a diverse pipeline of development programs across various diseases.
As an employee, you'll be part of a continually growing organization, working alongside exceptional colleagues and strategic partners worldwide, contributing to global health initiatives.
Moderna's commitment to advancing the technological frontier of mRNA medicines ensures a challenging and rewarding career experience, with the potential to make a significant impact on patients' lives worldwide.
Moderna is solidifying its footprint within our international centre for analytical excellence in Madrid, a city known for its rich scientific heritage. This facility, the largest such center outside the United States, exemplifies our commitment to solidifying our manufacturing network and advancing our promising mRNA product portfolio. We're looking for talents who can contribute to our innovative research and development efforts.
You will play a vital part in the quality control function of Moderna’s mRNA manufacturing operations by performing microbiological testing on raw materials, drug substances, and finished products. As Microbiology Specialist, you will execute GMP testing including Bioburden, BET, Sterility, and Micro sequencing for Moderna’s QC laboratory in Madrid. You will also support critical environmental monitoring activities and work closely on method transfer and qualification activities in collaboration with Analytical Sciences & Technology (AS&T) and external laboratories. The role offers a hands-on opportunity to ensure quality and compliance, and the chance to engage closely with advanced mRNA technologies and GenAI tools in lab operations and documentation processes.
Here’s What You’ll Do
Your key responsibilities will be:
Perform GMP QC Microbiology testing: Sterility, Bioburden Analysis, Endotoxin (BET), and Micro sequencing.
Conduct microbiological tests for raw materials, excipients, drug substances, and finished products in a cGMP setting.
Participate in method transfer and qualification activities in partnership with AS&T and contract labs.
Contribute to general laboratory systems in line with GMP compliance.
Prepare, ship, and receive microbiological samples, including those for external testing or identification.
Execute and maintain compliance with SOPs, cGMP, and other internal requirements.
Utilize GenAI-supported documentation and data entry tools aligned with Moderna’s digital-first lab operations.
Your responsibilities will also include:
Perform routine environmental monitoring and critical utility sampling, if required.
Support the execution of equipment and method qualifications and validations.
Assist in the development and revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Provide documentation and logistical support during internal and vendor audits.
Maintain laboratory housekeeping, equipment maintenance, and reagent preparation.
Support initiation and closure of quality system records such as deviations and EM excursions.
Ensure adherence to Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and Data Integrity standards.
Complete all assigned trainings per compliance deadlines and maintain requalification cadence.
Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement within the lab environment.
The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:
We obsess over learning. We don’t have to be the smartest; we have to learn the fastest. In this dynamic GMP environment, learning and adapting to new microbiological methods and digital tools—including emerging applications of Generative AI—will be critical to ensure robust, compliant processes.
We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients. Moderna’s digital-first lab ecosystem supports efficiency and real-time decision making. In this role, your interaction with data systems and AI-enabled tools will enhance traceability and improve quality assurance for mRNA production.
Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
Education: Minimum: BA/BSc in a relevant scientific discipline
Experience: Minimum: 3 years in Quality Control in a cGMP organization.
Working experience in a GMP environment.
Working knowledge of relevant and current FDA, EU, ICH guidelines and regulations preferred.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic, cross-functional matrix environment.
Ability to efficiently prioritize and complete multiple projects and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
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 believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our global benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.
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.
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.
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.
Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.
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 committed to equal opportunity in employment 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. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
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 accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment 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 and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.
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