Scientist, Analytical Sciences and Technology, Chemistry

Moderna Therapeutics; Norwood (MA); Hybrid; USD 109,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Fertility & family planning support

Generous paid time off

Bonus eligibility

Job summary

Moderna Therapeutics in the United States seeks an Analytical Method Lead to own the lifecycle management of chemistry-based methods across QC labs, CMOs, and manufacturing partners. You will drive method transfer, validation, verification, and comparability assessments with emphasis on HPLC/UPLC and compendial testing.

The role requires strong expertise in analytical chemistry, GMP, data integrity, and collaboration with QA, Regulatory, and Manufacturing teams to ensure inspection readiness and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years in GMP pharma/biotech environment and method transfer/validation experience.
• Master’s degree with 3+ years in GMP pharma/biotech environment and lifecycle management.
• PhD with 0–2 years in GMP pharma/biotech environment and lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support chemistry-focused analytical method transfers, validations, verifications, and comparability assessments across internal and external laboratories, emphasizing HPLC/UPLC and compendial methods.
• Provide technical expertise for chemistry method performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management activities.
• Evaluate chemistry analytical method suitability and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Serve as SME for chromatography-based methods and instrumentation, and lead troubleshooting impacting operations and product disposition.
• Support laboratory investigations (OOS/OOT), CAPAs, deviation management, and data trending for process improvements.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

HPLC/UPLC

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Analytical Chemistry or related field

Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry or related field

PhD in Analytical Chemistry or related field

Tools

HPLC/UPLC instrumentation

Job description

**The Role:**Moderna is seeking an Individual that will provide technical leadership and execution support for analytical method lifecycle management across commercial and late-stage development programs. This role will be responsible for method transfer, validation, troubleshooting, investigations, and continuous improvement activities supporting Quality Control laboratories, manufacturing operations, and external testing partners with a focus on chemistry-based analytical methods.The Candidate will serve as a key technical resource across the analytical network, collaborating with Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing Sciences, and Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) to ensure robust analytical performance, compliance, and inspection readiness.The successful candidate will leverage scientific expertise to support product lifecycle management, drive technical solutions, and ensure reliable execution of analytical testing strategies.**Here's What You’ll Do*** Lead and support chemistry-focused analytical method transfers, validations, verifications, and comparability assessments across internal and external laboratories, with emphasis on HPLC/UPLC, compendial methods, and other chemistry-based analytical techniques.* Provide technical expertise for chemistry and compendial method performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management activities.* Evaluate chemistry analytical method suitability and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.**Technical Support & Troubleshooting*** Serve as a subject matter expert for chemistry-based analytical methods andinstrumentation, with particular emphasis on HPLC/UPLC and chromatographic techniques, and compendial testing.* Lead and support troubleshooting of analytical issues impacting laboratory operations, manufacturing, and product disposition.* Collaborate cross-functionally to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.**Investigations & Data Review*** Support laboratory investigations, out-of-specification (OOS), out-of-trend (OOT), and atypical result assessments.* Perform scientific data analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.* Contribute to development and implementation of CAPAs to address analytical and operational issues.**Documentation & Compliance*** Author, review, and approve technical documents including protocols, reports, methods, specifications, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).* Ensure documentation is accurate, compliant, and inspection-ready.* Support regulatory submissions, health authority inspections, and internal audits as required.**QC Network & External Partner Support*** Collaborate with QC laboratories and external testing partners to ensure successful method implementation and execution.* Provide technical oversight and support for analytical activities conducted at CMOs and contract testing laboratories.* Support network harmonization efforts and best-practice sharing across sites.**Data Trending & Continuous Improvement*** Analyze analytical performance metrics and trending data to drive informed decision-making.* Support development and implementation of process improvements that enhance efficiency, compliance, and robustness.* Support assessment and implementation of new or revised compendial requirements, including USP and other applicable global pharmacopeial requirements, and evaluate potential impacts to analytical methods, specifications, and testing strategies* Contribute to digital and data-driven initiatives supporting analytical operations.**Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)*** Bachelor's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience; OR* Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline with 3+ years of relevant industry experience; OR* PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline with 0–2 years of relevant industry experience.* Experience supporting analytical method transfer, qualification, validation, verification, or lifecycle management activities in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical, biotechnology, biologics, or vaccine environment.* Experience authoring and reviewing technical documents, including protocols, reports, specifications, test methods, investigations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).* Working knowledge of GMP regulations, data integrity principles, and pharmaceutical quality systems.* Experience supporting laboratory investigations, including out-of-specification (OOS), out-of-trend (OOT), deviation, or atypical result assessments.* Demonstrated ability to analyze scientific data, identify trends, and apply scientific judgment to solve technical problems.* Experience working effectively in cross-functional teams with Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, and/or external partners.**Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)*** Strong hands-on analytical chemistry experience, with demonstrated technical proficiency in HPLC/UPLC and chromatographic method execution, troubleshooting, and data interpretation; experience with additional analytical techniques and compendial methods is preferred.* Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation, evaluate unexpected or atypical results, develop scientifically sound hypotheses, and drive technical issues through resolution.* Strong understanding of analytical method validation, transfer, qualification, verification, and lifecycle management principles, including application of risk-based and phase-appropriate strategies.* Knowledge of applicable regulatory and compendial expectations, including ICH, USP, FDA, EMA, and other global health authority requirements.* Experience leading or substantially contributing to investigations, CAPAs, deviation management, change controls, or analytical troubleshooting activities.* Demonstrated technical ownership and independent problem-solving, with the ability to design and execute experiments, interpret complex analytical data, draw scientifically supported conclusions, and recommend next steps.* Experience supporting analytical control strategies, method readiness, product lifecycle changes, regulatory filing activities, or commercial manufacturing support.* Ability to communicate complex technical topics clearly to cross-functional stakeholders, including Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Technical Development, and senior leadership audiences.* Demonstrated ability to prioritize and independently drive technical work in a fast-paced, matrixed environment while collaborating effectively across functions.**Competency*** Scientific problem solving and critical thinking* Technical leadership and collaboration* Strong data analysis and interpretation skills* Effective communication and stakeholder management* Attention to detail and commitment to quality* Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment **Pay & Benefits****At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.** **That’s why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.*** Competitive 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 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 investments to help you plan for the future* Location-specific perks and extras The salary range for this role is $109,200.00 - $174,600.00. 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.