Specialist, Quality Control

The Role Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients. Moderna is strengthening its presence in Norwood, Massachusetts, a cornerstone of our manufacturing and operational excellence. Our Norwood campus translates mRNA science into scalable impact, supporting the global delivery of our medicines. We welcome talent ready to drive innovation and make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide. As a Quality Control Specialist, you will support cGMP QC testing of raw materials, drug substance, and finished products at Moderna’s manufacturing facility and affiliated contract organizations. Based on-site in Norwood, Massachusetts, this individual contributor role combines hands-on analytical testing and troubleshooting with leadership of method transfers, qualification activities, and quality records. You will teach and train analysts, collaborate across Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Development, and help strengthen the technical capabilities of a safe, compliant QC Bioassay laboratory. Here’s What You’ll Do Execute testing for analytical method validation and qualification, alongside routine testing of release, stability, and in-process samples, using cell-based potency assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and protein analysis. Execute QC molecular biology and bioassay methods, including qPCR, sequencing, and protein analysis, and support bioassay testing for raw materials, drug substance, and drug product. Lead method transfers and qualification activities in collaboration with Development groups, helping expand QC Bioassay laboratory capabilities and establish methods that support reliable cGMP testing. Lead special projects as a Bioassay subject matter expert (SME), bringing technical expertise to laboratory challenges. Serve as an interdepartmental liaison to Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Development, and other relevant groups. Teach and train analysts on technical concepts and analytical methods, providing on-the-job training that builds understanding of laboratory procedures and assay execution. Write and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, and reports, ensuring compliance with cGMP documentation requirements and applicable regulatory guidelines. Troubleshoot analytical methods, equipment, laboratory procedures, and assay performance, applying technical understanding to identify issues and support effective resolution. Review analytical data and perform assigned data analysis and trending to support understanding of assay performance and laboratory results. Own and manage quality records, including investigations, change controls, corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), and ECs, ensuring that associated activities and documentation meet cGMP requirements. Establish and maintain a safe laboratory working environment, provide support during audits, and collaborate on continuous improvement initiatives. Explore opportunities to build familiarity with Generative AI tools for technical learning, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement, subject to company approval and appropriate data protection, scientific oversight, and cGMP controls. Remain accountable for completing all mandatory training and assigned tasks, and perform additional duties as assigned. 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.” Apply this mindset to analytical troubleshooting, method transfers, and qualification activities, translating what you learn into stronger assay execution and effective training for fellow analysts. “We behave like owners. The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description.” Take responsibility for quality records, assigned laboratory activities, and cross-functional collaboration, following through on issues and helping improve the safety, compliance, and reliability of QC operations. Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications) Education: BA/BS Degree Experience: STEM degree with minimum 5 years of experience in a cGMP laboratory, with hands-on experience in molecular biology, Cell based Assays and Protein Analysis. Specific Certifications or Training: None 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) Method development/qualification experience with molecular biology, cell-based assays, or protein analysis methods. Trained in Aseptic techniques and general laboratory instrumentation (e.g. pH meters, balances, pipettes) Ability to prepare reagents, pipette small volumes, work in a Biological Safety Cabinet Experience with laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional matrix environment. Working knowledge and application of FDA, EU, ICH guidelines, and regulations. Experience providing technical training. Experience in technical writing. Our Working Model As we build our company, we have always believed that an in-person culture is critical to our success. This role is 100% onsite, reflecting the importance of being physically present to support the work, collaborate closely with colleagues, and contribute to our site-based operations. Working onsite enables real-time collaboration, strong team connections, direct mentorship, and the hands-on partnership needed to deliver our mission. 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. Pay & Benefits At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between. Competitive healthcare, 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 investments to help you plan for the future Location-specific perks and extras The salary range for this role is $74,000.00 - $118,400.00. 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. 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. - Our Mission and Vision At Moderna we are pioneering the development of a new class of drugs made of messenger RNA (mRNA). This novel drug platform builds on the discovery that modified mRNA can direct the body’s cellular machinery to produce nearly any protein of interest, from native proteins to antibodies and other entirely novel protein constructs that can have therapeutic activity inside and outside of cells. We have a clear mission to propel the field of mRNA science forward and deliver new medicines to patients and a unique vision for how to achieve this mission. Our Mission: To deliver on the promise of transformative messenger RNA (mRNA) science to bring new medicines to patients. Our Vision: To unlock the potential of mRNA by establishing an ecosystem of teams and partners that will work together to develop the broadest possible array of drugs, across diverse therapeutic areas and routes of administration, for serious diseases that are not treatable today. Third Party Staffing Agencies Moderna does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates. For the protection of all parties involved in the recruiting process, resumes will only be accepted from recruiters/agencies if a signed agreement is in place at the inception of the recruiting effort and authorized for a specified position. Unsolicited resumes sent to Moderna from recruiters/agencies do not constitute any type of relationship between the recruiter/agency and Moderna and do not obligate Moderna to pay fees if we hire from those resumes. Reasonable Accommodation Notice Moderna will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. Please inform the company's personnel representative by calling 617-460-9346 or emailing humanresources@modernatx.com if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Return Home