Quality Control Associate, Microbiology

The Role:

Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients.

Moderna is strengthening its international centre for analytical excellence in Madrid, the largest of its kind outside the United States. The site supports our global manufacturing network and advancing mRNA portfolio. We welcome talent ready to drive innovative research and development.

Join our Quality Control Microbiology team as an individual contributor supporting the testing and release of innovative mRNA medicines. In this role, you will perform critical cGMP microbiology testing while ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance, and data integrity across laboratory operations. Working within a collaborative, technology-enabled laboratory environment, you'll also have opportunities to work alongside digital laboratory systems and emerging Generative AI tools that help enhance operational excellence and scientific workflows.

Here's What You'll Do:

• Perform cGMP Quality Control Microbiology testing with a focus on Endotoxin, Sterility, Environmental Monitoring for release and stability testing.

• Support Method Qualification and Acquisition activities as required.

• Execute GMP QC Microbiology testing including Sterility testing, Endotoxin testing, and Micro sequencing.

• Support testing of drug substances and drug products, generating high-quality testing data to support product release and stability programs.

• Perform data entry and support data trending within applicable electronic systems.

• Execute Electronic Assay Forms and sample result entry within LabVantage LIMS.

• Provide stability program support.

• Perform general microbiology laboratory support activities including reagent preparation, sample management, growth promotion activities, equipment maintenance, laboratory housekeeping, and shipping/receiving contract laboratory testing samples, including samples for microbiological identification.

• Manage and maintain QC laboratory inventory and supplies.

• Assist with troubleshooting microbiological assay methods and laboratory equipment when required.

• Troubleshoot assay methods and support investigations relating to Out of Specification (OOS) and other non-conforming results.

• Participate in laboratory investigations, deviations, and CAPA activities as required.

• Complete and maintain accurate cGMP documentation for all work performed.

• Follow Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and Data Integrity requirements to ensure all records are complete, accurate, and inspection-ready.

• Perform all activities in accordance with GxP regulations, applicable guidelines, company policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and other internal governing documents.

• Complete all required training within defined timelines and maintain qualification through prescribed requalification schedules.

• Perform tasks as required to maintain ongoing GMP compliance.

• Establish and maintain a safe laboratory working environment while promoting quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.

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.

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

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications) 

• Education: Technical qualification (FP, ciclo superior) or degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or other relevant scientific discipline with at least 2 years’ experience.

• Working experience: minimum 2 years’ experience in quality control laboratory of a pharmaceutical company is preferred.

• Hands-on experience with growth promotion, endotoxin and sterility testing within QC micro laboratories.

• Working knowledge of relevant and current FDA, EU, ICH guidelines and regulations preferred.

• Ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic, cross-functional matrix environment.

• Ability to efficiently prioritize and complete multiple projects and tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Working proficiency in English is required.

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.

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 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.

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. 

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 [email protected]. 

-