Executive Director, Research & Development Quality Assurance (RDQA)

Biopharma Careers; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 405,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Well-being resources

Family planning benefits

Generous PTO

Equity opportunities

Job summary

Moderna in Cambridge, Massachusetts, seeks an Executive Director, R&D Quality Assurance to lead global QA across GxP domains from research through late-stage development. You will set strategy, governance, and an operational excellence framework, partnering with Clinical Development, Pharmacovigilance, and Regulatory.

This role requires senior leadership, a data-driven quality culture, and a track record of successful inspections.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in the biopharmaceutical industry with deep expertise in GCP, GLP, GCLP and GVP.
• 10+ years leading multifunctional quality organizations within the R&D sector.
• Experience developing and managing budgets and resource allocation.
• Experience developing global audit programs and hosting health authority inspections.
• Knowledge of FDA, EMA, MHRA, PMDA, ICH regulations and EU PV guidance.

Responsibilities

• Provide enterprise governance of GCP, GVP, GLP, and GCLP across Moderna’s development portfolio.
• Define and execute a robust, forward-looking quality strategy aligned with regulatory requirements.
• Act as Quality business partner to R&D leaders across Clinical, Non-Clinical, Research, and Pharmacovigilance.
• Embed risk-based quality management in study design, data generation, and vendor oversight.
• Serve as the Quality leader during global regulatory inspections and ensure timely resolution of findings.
• Build and lead a high-performing R&D QA team and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

GxP knowledge

Quality leadership

Regulatory inspections

Cross-functional leadership

Risk management

Strategic thinking

Data-driven culture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life science

Advanced degree preferred

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 is solidifying its presence in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Our head office here is more than just a global administrative center; it is a vital part of our efforts in pioneering mRNA technology and engaging in meaningful collaboration with the area's renowned universities and research institutions. In Cambridge, we aim to harness the wealth of knowledge and innovative spirit this region offers to further our global mission in medicine and healthcare. We are actively seeking talented individuals who are motivated by innovation and committed to making a significant impact. Join us at our Cambridge location, where your contributions will be pivotal in advancing our groundbreaking work in mRNA medicines and improving global health outcomes.

This is a critical leadership opportunity for a seasoned Quality executive to shape and drive Moderna’s global R&D Quality strategy across all GxP domains. The Executive Director (ED), R&D Quality Assurance (RDQA), reporting to the Head of Quality, will set the strategic direction, governance model, and operational excellence framework for Quality within Research and Development. The ED will serve as Moderna’s most senior QA leader across GCP, GLP, GCLP and GVP, embedding proactive quality principles into the full R&D lifecycle, from research through to late-stage development. This role partners closely with Clinical Development, Pharmacovigilance, Non-Clinical Development & Toxicology, and Research, ensuring end-to-end regulatory compliance, scientific integrity, and patient safety. With a strong emphasis on leadership, innovation, and transformation, this position is accountable for cultivating a data-driven quality culture, hosting global regulatory inspections, and leading a high-performing QA team based in Cambridge.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Provide enterprise governance and oversight of GCP, GVP, GLP, and GCLP compliance across Moderna’s entire development portfolio.
• Define and execute a robust, forward-looking quality strategy in alignment with global regulatory requirements and Moderna’s innovation agenda.
• Act as the primary Quality business partner to R&D functional leaders across Clinical, Non-Clinical, Research, and Pharmacovigilance areas.
• Embed risk-based quality management principles into study design, data generation, and vendor oversight practices.
• Serve as the Quality leader and Inspection Host during global regulatory inspections (FDA, EMA, MHRA), ensuring timely and effective resolution of findings.
• Drive modernization of vendor oversight and shared accountability models, elevating external partnership performance.

Your responsibilities will also include:

• Build and lead a high-performing, solutions-oriented R&D QA team, rooted in scientific credibility and operational excellence.
• Enhance Quality Culture across R&D by promoting real-time quality management, early issue detection, and continuous feedback loops.
• Establish and track quality metrics and leading indicators that drive meaningful risk mitigation and compliance.
• Own the end-to-end quality lifecycle for deviations, CAPAs, issue management, regulatory intelligence, and inspection readiness.
• Oversee the Pharmacovigilance Quality System (GVP) including signal management, safety database validation, and global safety inspection preparation.
• Collaborate with Global Systems & Compliance to maintain a fit-for-purpose R&D Quality Management System (QMS) that supports innovation and agility.
• Monitor global regulatory intelligence and evolving external expectations, ensuring internal systems are updated accordingly.

The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:

“We behave like owners. The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description.”

In this executive role, you will serve as the quality conscience of Moderna’s entire R&D pipeline, with ownership of not just systems and metrics, but the culture, strategy, and mindset needed to make quality a competitive advantage.

“We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.”

This role has a unique opportunity to modernize quality oversight by leveraging digital tools, automation, and data-driven insights, from vendor performance analytics to proactive issue detection in the clinical and non-clinical space.

Heres’ What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in a life science or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry with deep expertise in GCP, GLP, GCLP and GVP and the ability to provide expert guidance on complex quality issues occurring in clinical trials, regulatory submissions, laboratories and PV and clinical safety.
• 10+ years’ experience leading multifunctional quality organizations within the research and development sector, with proven excellence across all facets of quality management including experience developing and managing budgets and ensuring efficient allocation of resources to support both short-term initiatives and long-term organizational goals.
• Expertise to oversee comprehensive resource and staffing management, building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Experience in the development and execution of robust audit schedules, coordinating cross-functional efforts to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements through proactive planning and collaboration.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing global audit programs and hosting health authority inspections with a track record of positive outcomes. Extensive knowledge of FDA, EMA, MHRA, PMDA, ICH and EU PV regulations/guidelines, including ICH E2 and EU PV legislation.
• Extensive knowledge of FDA, EMA, MHRA, PMDA, ICH regulations, guidance and local legislation for clinical trials, including a ICH E6 (R3).
• Proven ability to collaborate and influence in a fast-paced, matrixed environment; strong cross-functional partnership skills with Clinical, Non-Clinical, PV, Regulatory, and Digital groups.
• Exceptional leadership and people-development skills, with demonstrated ability to build and inspire high-performing, geographically dispersed teams.
• Excellent strategic thinking, risk-based decision-making, analytical and communication skills
• Agile and growth mindset; thrives in rapid growth and embraces continuous improvement and innovation.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you, at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class healthcare coverage, 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 investment opportunities to help you plan for the future
• Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $224,900.00 - $404,600.00. 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.

Our Working Model

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.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.

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.

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 [e-mail] .

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.