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 Norwood, Massachusetts—home to one of our most advanced manufacturing and science hubs. As we continue expanding our capabilities in clinical and commercial production, Norwood plays a central role in pioneering mRNA medicines. We are seeking experts who thrive in dynamic environments and are passionate about making a tangible impact on global health.
This is a unique opportunity to lead Moderna’s global technical strategy for Drug Product (DP) operations. As the Senior Director, MSAT – Drug Product, you will oversee the end-to-end stewardship of sterile DP manufacturing—from formulation through packaging—for both commercial and clinical mRNA programs. This includes owning CPV, visual inspection, labeling and packaging strategy, regulatory compliance, and the introduction of cutting-edge technologies. You’ll drive standardization and optimization across a complex internal and external network, ensuring robustness, compliance, and continuous improvement. In this global leadership role, you’ll also guide a high-performing team, embed digital and AI-driven solutions into manufacturing, and contribute significantly to Moderna’s mission of delivering mRNA medicines at unprecedented speed and scale.
Here’s What You’ll Do
Your key responsibilities will be:
- Own the global technical strategy and optimization of aseptic DP operations across container types, including vials, pre-filled syringes, and devices.
- Oversee product lifecycle and Continued Process Verification (CPV), driving robust risk management and mitigation planning.
- Introduce enabling technologies such as closed systems, single-use platforms, and advanced sensors/PAT across the network.
- Embed digital and AI solutions in DP operations—particularly within automated visual inspection.
- Provide real-time and remote technical support for deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPA implementation.
- Serve as SME during global health authority inspections and contribute to CMC dossiers and responses.
- Define and deploy network-level data and master standards for full interoperability across MES, LIMS, QMS, and historian systems.
- Use AI/ML and statistical tools (e.g., JMP, Python, SQL, Power BI, Spotfire) for multivariate analysis and anomaly detection.
- Establish standardized philosophies for manual, semi-automated, and automated visual inspection, including algorithm validation.
- Lead optimization of labeling and packaging operations, ensuring serialization, traceability, and cold chain compliance.
Your Responsibilities Will Also Include
- Build and lead a world-class DP MSAT team with clear development plans, technical decision-making guidance, and inspection preparation.
- Harmonize global procedures and standards (e.g., SOPs, media fills) across internal and external manufacturing sites.
- Drive annual productivity targets in partnership with Supply and Finance through effective portfolio prioritization.
- Ensure compliance with particle/defect detection standards and AQL sampling protocols.
- Lead deployment of CPV dashboards, automated alerts, and self-service analytical capabilities for engineers.
- Promote a psychologically safe, inclusive environment that values speed, curiosity, and accountability.
- Travel >40% of the time to support global sites and partnerships.
The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:
- We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients. This role is deeply embedded in the transformation of Drug Product operations through data science, AI/ML, and automation. Your success will come from leveraging digital tools to enhance manufacturing performance, integrity, and scalability.
- We behave like owners. The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description. This is a role that spans internal and external networks, regulatory accountability, team development, and manufacturing innovation. Ownership of outcomes, not just deliverables, is essential to delivering Moderna’s mRNA medicines globally and reliably.
Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
- M.S. or Ph.D. in a technical discipline related to Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, etc.)
- A minimum of 15 years related work experience
Technical Expertise
- Filling process development, optimization, and validation.
- Visual inspection technologies (manual and robotic).
- Process validation, EMPQ, and media fills.
- Regulatory compliance and contributions to PPQ and BLA filings.
- Familiarity with global regulatory guidelines (CFR 21, ICH, PDA standards).
- Proficiency in Continued Process Verification (CPV), Quality by Design (QbD), and data analytics tools.
- Familiarity with labeling and packaging processes.
- Experience with AI (ChatGPT preferred) and data analysis tools (JMP)
- Intellectual curiosity and ability to lead and mentor staff in technical areas outside your area of expertise. Ability to influence cross functionally.
- Demonstrated experience implementing new technology for commercial operations
- Strong technical problem-solving experience
Soft Skills
- Effective collaboration and stakeholder management. Ability to influence internally and externally (suppliers), including negotiation.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for regulatory submissions, inspection support, and technical presentations.
- Ability to effectively communicate complex technical topics and develop strategic scenarios to stakeholders and senior leadership.
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 $196,700.00 - $353,400.00. 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. 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 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 leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.
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.
