Analyst, Quality Control – Chemistry & Stability (12-Month Fixed Term)

Moderna; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotech company in Edinburgh is seeking a Quality Control Analyst to execute analytical chemistry and stability testing. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in GMP regulations and proficiency with analytical techniques such as HPLC and UPLC. This role offers competitive benefits and a commitment to professional growth in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Quality healthcare and insurance benefits

Lifestyle Spending Accounts

Free premium access to fitness classes

Generous paid time off

Qualifications

• 5-7 years in Quality Control Laboratory of a Pharmaceutical Company.
• Demonstrated aptitude or ability to understand GxP regulations.
• Education in a relevant scientific discipline.

Responsibilities

• Execute routine analytical chemistry and stability testing.
• Maintain and trend stability data, perform analyses.
• Author and review stability protocols and SOPs.

Skills

Analytical chemistry expertise

Experience with HPLC and UPLC

Knowledge of GMP regulations

Education

BA/BSc in Chemistry or Biology

Tools

HPLC

LIMS (LabVantage)

Job description

Overview

The Role: Joining Moderna offers the opportunity to be part of a pioneering team 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's mission is to establish a leading-edge research, development, and manufacturing facility at Harwell, as part of a long-term commitment to onshore mRNA vaccine production for respiratory diseases. This initiative will create many highly skilled jobs and foster collaboration with academic, NHS, and government partners across the UK. We’re looking for global experts eager to join us in this endeavour, contributing to a future where access to life-saving vaccines is a reality for all.

This position, reporting to the Associate Director, Quality Control, is an essential part of the Harwell QC team focused on GMP-compliant stability and analytical chemistry testing. You will support critical release and stability testing operations, manage global stability programs, operate and maintain instrumentation, manage cGMP documentation, and support timely delivery of results across the QC chemistry function. The role offers exposure to cutting-edge analytical techniques, stability data management, and regulatory compliance frameworks, as well as exposure to Generative AI tools and digital platforms enhancing Moderna’s QC infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Execute routine analytical chemistry and stability testing using HPLC, UPLC, GC, UV, Karl Fischer, particle size analysis (DLS), and other analytical techniques.
• Support testing across raw materials, components, in-process and drug substance samples.
• Complete all cGMP documentation for analytical work in full compliance with applicable guidelines.
• Perform LIMS (LabVantage) data entry and complete electronic assay forms for traceability and review.
• Carry out HPLC (AEX) and NaOH plate-reader assays in support of manufacturing stat testing.
• Provide general laboratory support: reagent preparation, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and housekeeping.
• Ensure safe laboratory operations, actively contributing to EHS compliance.
• Participate in procurement and stock management of lab consumables and supplies.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Conduct stability program operations: set down, pull, labeling, verification, inventory updates, and disposal.
• Author, review, and revise stability protocols, SOPs, and technical reports.
• Maintain and trend stability data, performing statistical analyses and ensuring real-time visibility of study progress.
• Interface with external labs for sample shipment and testing data coordination, and update internal databases and binders accordingly.
• Support regulatory submissions by contributing to stability sections and ensuring alignment with FDA, EU, and ICH guidelines.
• Assist with troubleshooting analytical methods and instrumentation as required.
• Support training and mentorship of junior staff as needed.
• Contribute to quality systems documentation including investigations, deviations, CAPAs, and change controls.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture in line with Moderna’s values.
• Ensure strict adherence to GDP, data integrity, and internal SOPs across all executed tasks.
• Complete all required training and qualifications in accordance with assigned learning plans.

Moderna Mindsets

• We obsess over learning. We don’t have to be the smartest—we have to learn the fastest. In this highly technical and regulated environment, your ability to absorb evolving regulatory guidance, apply new analytical tools, and quickly learn from experimental data will be critical to your effectiveness.
• We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients. With increasing use of Generative AI tools and digital systems like LIMS at the core of Moderna’s QC infrastructure, your comfort with digital platforms and data-driven execution will allow you to unlock greater speed, accuracy, and compliance.

Requirements

• Education: BA/BSc in Chemistry or Biology (preferred) or other relevant scientific discipline
• Experience: At least 5-7 years in Quality Control Laboratory of a Pharmaceutical Company
• Demonstrated aptitude or ability to learn to gain a strong understanding of GxP regulations (GMP, GLP, GCP, GVP or other applicable standards)
• This position is site-based, requiring full-time presence at Moderna’s site. Remote work is not eligible.
• As part of Moderna’s commitment to workplace safety, this role may require an enhanced pre-employment check.

Benefits

• Quality healthcare and insurance benefits
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to create your own pathway to well-being
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investments
• Location-specific perks and extras

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 Moderna’s careers page at modernatx.com/careers to learn more about 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 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 should contact the Accommodations and Adjustments team at [e-mail].