(Fixed Term) Analyst, Quality Control, Microbiology

Moderna; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in Edinburgh is seeking a Microbiology Quality Control Analyst to support GMP manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will have a BSc in a relevant field and 5 years of experience in a cGMP setting focusing on microbiology. Responsibilities include conducting environmental monitoring and microbiological analyses, aligning with current good manufacturing practices. The position requires collaboration in a cross-functional environment.

Benefits

Quality healthcare and insurance benefits

Lifestyle Spending Accounts

Free access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes

Generous paid time off

Qualifications

• 5 years Quality Control experience in a cGMP organization focused on Microbiology.
• Hands-on experience of various microbiological testing techniques.
• Working knowledge of FDA, EU, and ICH guidelines preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine environmental monitoring and sampling.
• Execute microbiological analyses and support GMP testing.
• Participate in audit readiness activities.

Skills

Microbiology testing techniques

GMP regulatory knowledge

Collaboration in dynamic environments

Prioritization of multiple projects

Education

BSc in a relevant scientific discipline

Job description

The Role

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'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 a multitude of 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.

In this essential role, you will serve as the Microbiology Quality Control Analyst at our Harwell facility, directly supporting GMP manufacturing operations. Reporting to the Associate Director of Quality Control, you will carry out routine environmental and critical utility monitoring while performing key microbiological testing across raw materials, excipients, and drug substances for mRNA products. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally on method transfers, validations, and contribute to laboratory systems aligned with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). With the opportunity to operate at the interface of digital systems and biotechnological innovation, this position offers access to tools and data environments closely tied to Generative AI platforms supporting Quality Operations across Moderna globally.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Conducting routine environmental monitoring (EM) and sampling of critical utilities such as water systems in a GMP manufacturing facility.
• Executing microbiological analyses including TOC, Conductivity, Bioburden, Endotoxin, Sterility, and other GMP QC methods.
• Supporting GMP testing for product release, stability, and validation samples.
• Preparing, shipping, and receiving contract laboratory samples, including those for microbiological identification.
• Participating in new microbiological method transfers in collaboration with Analytical Sciences & Technology (AS&T) teams.

Your responsibilities will also include:

• Supporting development, implementation, and maintenance of laboratory systems in line with cGMP expectations.
• Performing general laboratory support activities including reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, and housekeeping.
• Participating in audit readiness activities, including support to internal and external audit teams.
• Assisting in equipment and method qualifications, and potentially troubleshooting assay methods and instrumentation.
• Drafting and revising SOPs, protocols, reports, and contributing to quality system documentation (e.g., deviations, CAPAs, EM excursions, and change controls).
• Applying Good Documentation Practices and ensuring full compliance with GxP and Data Integrity requirements.
• Completing all assigned training per schedule and requalification timelines.
• Supporting junior team members as required with data review, troubleshooting, and training.

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 technically rigorous environment, your growth mindset and rapid adaptability will be critical as you integrate advanced microbiology testing techniques, evolving quality standards, and support ongoing method transfers in a dynamic manufacturing setting.
• “We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.” While hands-on microbiological testing is central, you will be immersed in Moderna’s digital-first culture — leveraging automation, electronic lab records, and systems designed to integrate data into scalable AI-driven quality frameworks.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• BSc in a relevant scientific discipline with 5 years Quality Control experience in a cGMP organization with a focus on Microbiology.
• Hands-on experience of various Microbiology testing techniques and analyses (e.g. Vitek, Isolator Technology, Bioburden, BET, Sterility, others)
• Working knowledge of relevant and current FDA, EU, ICH guidelines and regulations preferred.
• Working experience in a GMP environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic, cross-functional matrix environment.
• Ability to efficiently prioritise and complete multiple projects and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to conduct investigations.
• 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.

• 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
• Savingsandinvestments
• 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.

Visit moder nt axt.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 [e-mail].

-