Associate Director, Quality Control

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.

As Moderna continues to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Canada, this role will play a pivotal leadership position in establishing and operating a world-class Quality Control organization supporting commercial manufacturing operations in Laval. This individual will provide both strategic direction and hands-on operational leadership across analytical testing, microbiology, environmental monitoring, critical utilities monitoring, release testing, and stability programs while ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance, and inspection readiness.

The successful candidate will lead the startup and operational readiness of Quality Control laboratories supporting drug substance and drug product testing, building robust laboratory systems, driving method transfers and validation activities, and creating sustainable testing operations capable of supporting Moderna’s expanding commercial manufacturing network and future product portfolio. Working across internal and external networks, this leader will serve as a critical partner to Manufacturing, Analytical Science & Technology, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Engineering, Supply Chain, Global Quality Control, Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs), and Contract Testing Laboratories (CTLs).

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Quality Control operations within a highly innovative manufacturing environment while leveraging advanced digital capabilities, laboratory automation, data analytics, and emerging AI-enabled technologies to enhance operational excellence, data integrity, and decision-making.

Here's What You'll Do:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Quality Control activities supporting commercial manufacturing, product lifecycle management, laboratory operations, and external partner oversight.

• Lead the startup and operational readiness of Quality Control laboratories supporting drug substance and drug product testing, including laboratory systems implementation, method transfers, qualification activities, and compliant testing operations.

• Oversee analytical testing, microbiology, environmental monitoring, critical utilities monitoring, release testing, and stability programs across internal laboratories and external networks.

• Ensure the delivery of compliant, reliable, and timely Quality Control services while maintaining oversight of quality systems, investigations, data integrity, contamination control strategies, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Serve as the primary Quality Control representative and strategic partner to Manufacturing, Analytical Science & Technology, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Global Quality Control teams.

• Provide strategic oversight of Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs), Contract Testing Laboratories (CTLs), and other external testing partners to ensure quality, compliance, and operational excellence.

• Lead analytical method transfers, qualifications, validations, and implementation of analytical changes supporting commercial products, new product introductions, and technology transfer activities.

• Drive operational excellence through performance metrics, data analytics, laboratory automation, digital transformation initiatives, and opportunities to leverage advanced AI and Generative AI capabilities within Quality Control operations.

• Lead complex technical investigations and ensure effective management of deviations, OOS/OOT investigations, CAPAs, change controls, and other quality system processes.

• Support process validation, PPQ campaigns, regulatory submissions, Annual Product Quality Reviews (APQRs), and product lifecycle management activities.

• Represent Quality Control during regulatory inspections, health authority interactions, customer audits, vendor audits, and internal audits while maintaining a continuous state of inspection readiness.

• Build, develop, and lead high-performing Quality Control teams through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, performance management, and talent development.

• Contribute to departmental strategy, resource planning, and budget management while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Act as a key liaison across local and global Quality organizations to support Moderna’s expanding commercial manufacturing network and future product portfolio

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

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

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific discipline (Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field); advanced degree preferred.

• The position requires proficiency in both French and English due to interactions with teams, partners, and tools located outside Quebec.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Quality Control within a commercial cGMP biotechnology or pharmaceutical environment, including experience supporting both internal and external manufacturing and testing operations.

• Minimum of 4–6 years of leadership experience, including management of technical teams, laboratory operations, project management, and talent development.

• Strong working knowledge of global regulatory requirements and industry standards, including FDA, Health Canada, EMA, ICH, ISPE, ASTM, and applicable GxP regulations.

• Demonstrated experience in analytical testing, method transfer, method qualification, validation, and lifecycle management within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.

• Proven expertise in Quality Systems, including Deviations, OOS/OOT investigations, CAPAs, Change Controls, risk assessments, and data integrity programs.

• This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.

• As part of Moderna’s commitment to build a sustainable workforce, a minimum of 2 years of work authorization is required for this role.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Strong knowledge and experience in Environmental Monitoring, contamination control strategies, and Critical Utilities Monitoring programs within GMP-regulated biotechnology or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments, including regulatory requirements, data analysis, investigations, and inspection readiness.

• Experience supporting regulatory inspections, health authority interactions, customer audits, vendor audits, and inspection readiness activities.

• Strong knowledge of laboratory operations supporting chemistry, microbiology, bioassay, environmental monitoring, and stability programs.

• Experience managing quality control activities at Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs), Contract Testing Laboratories (CTLs), and external partners is highly desirable.

• Demonstrated success leading complex analytical projects, investigations, process improvements, and cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong technical writing and documentation skills, including review and approval of analytical methods, protocols, reports, specifications, and regulatory documentation.

• Proficiency with laboratory and enterprise systems such as LIMS, SAP, LMS, electronic quality management systems, and data analytics tools.

• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and software platforms, including chromatographic and analytical technologies, is preferred.

• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all organizational levels and external partners.

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, solve complex problems, manage multiple priorities, and navigate ambiguity in a dynamic, matrixed environment.

• Strong commitment to operational excellence, continuous improvement, innovation, and fostering a culture of compliance, accountability, and teamwork.

• Fluent in English, both written and spoken; additional languages are considered an asset.

• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Rémunération et avantages sociaux

Chez Moderna, nous croyons que lorsque vous vous sentez au mieux de votre forme, vous pouvez donner le meilleur de vous-même.

C’est pourquoi nos avantages sociaux mondiaux et nos ressources en matière de bien-être sont conçus pour vous soutenir – au travail, à la maison et partout entre les deux.

• Des soins de santé de premier ordre, ainsi que des programmes d'avantages volontaires adaptés à vos besoins spécifiques

• Une approche holistique du bien-être, avec un accès à des services de remise en forme, de pleine conscience et de soutien en santé mentale

• Des avantages pour la construction familiale, y compris un soutien en matière de fertilité, d’adoption et de gestation pour autrui

• Des congés généreux, incluant les vacances, les jours fériés, les journées de bénévolat, les congés sabbatiques, les journées mondiales de ressourcement, ainsi qu'une fermeture discrétionnaire en fin d’année

• Des solutions d’épargne et d’investissement pour vous aider à planifier votre avenir

• Des avantages et extras spécifiques à chaque lieu

Les avantages offerts peuvent varier en fonction de la nature de votre emploi chez Moderna et du pays dans lequel vous travaillez

La fourchette salariale pour ce poste est de $156,750.00 - $173,250.00. Cette fourchette représente le salaire de base minimal et maximal que nous prévoyons offrir pour ce poste selon notre structure de rémunération actuelle. Le salaire de base réellement offert à chaque employé est déterminé avec diligence, en tenant compte de facteurs tels que l’expérience pertinente, les compétences, les qualifications, la formation, le rendement et les besoins de l’entreprise.

Nous révisons régulièrement les fourchettes salariales et la rémunération individuelle afin d’assurer notre compétitivité par rapport au marché externe et de maintenir l’équité interne, conformément aux principes de rémunération et de transparence salariale de l’entreprise.

La personne retenue pourrait être admissible à une prime annuelle discrétionnaire, à d’autres formes de rémunération incitative ou à une attribution de titres de participation, sous réserve des critères d’admissibilité applicables aux régimes en vigueur et du rendement individuel.

Veuillez noter que ces renseignements sont fournis à des fins de transparence et de conformité réglementaire. Ils ne constituent pas un engagement contractuel ni une garantie d’un taux de rémunération précis.

À propos de Moderna
Depuis notre fondation en 2010, nous aspirons à bâtir la principale plateforme technologique d’ARNm, l’infrastructure pour réinventer la manière dont les médicaments sont créés et distribués, ainsi qu’une équipe de calibre mondial. Nous croyons qu’il est important d’offrir à nos employés une plateforme pour transformer la médecine et une opportunité de changer le monde.

En vivant notre mission, nos valeurs et nos façons de penser chaque jour, nos employés sont le moteur de notre progrès scientifique et de notre culture. Ensemble, nous créons une culture d’inclusion et bâtissons une organisation qui se soucie profondément de ses patients, de ses employés, de l’environnement et des communautés.

Nous sommes fiers d’avoir été reconnus comme un des meilleurs employeurs biopharmaceutiques par Science Magazine, un des meilleurs milieux de travail pour les innovateurs par Fast Company, et un excellent lieu de travail aux États-Unis.

En bâtissant notre entreprise, nous avons toujours cru qu’une culture en personne est essentielle à notre succès. Moderna défend les avantages importants de la collaboration en présentiel en adoptant un modèle de travail 70/30. Cette structure — 70 % au bureau — favorise une culture riche en innovation, en travail d’équipe et en mentorat direct. Joignez-vous à nous pour façonner un monde où chaque interaction est une opportunité d’apprendre, de contribuer et d’avoir un impact significatif.

Si vous souhaitez faire une différence et rejoindre une équipe qui transforme l’avenir de la médecine, nous vous invitons à visiter pour en savoir plus sur nos possibilités actuelles.

Moderna est un environnement de travail sans fumée, sans alcool et sans drogue.

Moderna est un lieu où chacun peut évoluer. Si vous répondez aux qualifications de base du poste et que vous êtes enthousiaste à l’idée de contribuer à notre mission chaque jour, veuillez postuler!

Moderna s’engage à offrir l’égalité d’accès à l’emploi et à ne pratiquer aucune discrimination envers ses employés ou les candidats qualifiés, sans égard à la race, à la couleur, au sexe, à l’identité ou l’expression de genre, à l’âge, à la religion, à l’origine nationale, à l’ascendance ou à la citoyenneté, à l’ethnie, à un handicap, au statut militaire ou de vétéran protégé, aux informations génétiques, à l’orientation sexuelle, à l’état civil ou familial, ou à toute autre caractéristique personnelle protégée par la loi en vigueur. Nous étudions les candidatures qualifiées, peu importe les antécédents judiciaires, conformément aux exigences légales.

Nous nous concentrons sur l’attraction, la rétention, le développement et la progression de nos employés. En cultivant un milieu de travail qui valorise les expériences, les origines et les idées diversifiées, nous créons un environnement où chaque employé peut donner le meilleur de lui-même.

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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.

• 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.

The salary range for this role is $156,750.00 - $173,250.00. This range reflects the minimum and maximum base pay we expect to pay for this position based on our current compensation structure. The actual base pay offered to each employee is determined with due diligence, taking into account factors such as relevant experience, skills, qualifications, education, performance, and business requirements.

We regularly review pay ranges and individual compensation to ensure competitiveness with the external market and to maintain internal equity in alignment with our company’s compensation and pay-transparency principles.

The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or an equity award, subject to applicable plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

Please note that this information is provided for transparency and compliance purposes. It does not constitute a contractual commitment or guarantee of a specific rate of pay.