(Fixed Term) Analyst, Quality Control, Microbiology

Moderna; Packmoor; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in the UK is seeking a Microbiology Quality Control Analyst to support GMP manufacturing operations at their Harwell facility. The role involves routine environmental monitoring and microbiological testing, compliance with cGMP practices, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Candidates should possess a BSc in a scientific discipline and have 5 years of relevant Quality Control experience in a cGMP setting. The position is site-based and offers extensive benefits including healthcare, fitness support, and generous paid time off.

Benefits

Best-in-class healthcare

Generous paid time off

Family building benefits

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine environmental monitoring and sampling.
• Execute microbiological analyses including TOC, Conductivity, and Bioburden.
• Support GMP testing for product release and stability samples.

Skills

Microbiology testing techniques

Quality Control experience

Collaboration in a matrix environment

Investigation capabilities

Ability to prioritize tasks

Education

BSc in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Vitek

Isolator Technology

Job description

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 :

• 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.

Pay & Benefits

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.

• Best‑in‑class 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 building benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, 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 benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.