Specialist, Quality Control, Microbiology

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Education: Minimum: BA/ BSc in a relevant scientific…