Senior Systems Engineer, GXP Systems in Harwell

Senior Systems Engineer, GXP Systems in Harwell

Harwell Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Moderna Therapeutics

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and manage advanced lab systems to transform medicine with cutting-edge mRNA technology.
  • Company: Join Moderna, a leader in mRNA science and innovation.
  • Benefits: Top-notch healthcare, generous time off, and support for family building.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and innovation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving digital lab solutions.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years in life sciences enterprise systems required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

The Role

Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. This role sits at the intersection of digital, automation, and quality, driving the design and evolution of advanced laboratory instrumentation ecosystems for Moderna’s new Harwell facility.

What You’ll Do

  • Design, deploy, and manage a growing portfolio of benchtop instrumentation and enterprise laboratory systems supporting QC laboratories.
  • Own the full product lifecycle management of instrumentation software and systems, including validation, optimization, integration, support, maintenance, and version upgrades across platforms such as Thermo Omnic FTIR, HIAC Particle Counter, TOC, Thermo QuantStudio/3730, RAMAN TruScan, Chromeleon CDS, LogiLab SDMS and CFR Gateway, SoftMax Pro, MODA, and Labvantage LIMS/LES.
  • Collaborate closely with internal and external business analysts, automation and software engineers, and the TCoE to deliver robust and scalable digital lab solutions.
  • Translate complex system, equipment, and data integration requirements from Digital and Business teams into effective and compliant digital lab system implementations.
  • Lead and support change control and regulatory documentation, including living documents, SOPs, work instructions, and knowledge base materials to ensure inspection readiness and compliance.
  • Partner with digital stakeholders to validate and integrate systems into connected instrument pipelines, enabling future robotics, automation, and AI‑driven capabilities across the laboratory landscape.
  • Actively foster innovation by challenging existing processes and leveraging emerging technologies, including opportunities to integrate Generative AI and advanced digital solutions into laboratory workflows.
  • Apply an operational excellence mindset to identify, design, and implement process improvements that enhance system performance, user experience, and business efficiency.
  • Ensure GMP compliance is embedded in the design, delivery, and lifecycle management of all systems.
  • Maintain a constant state of inspection readiness through strict adherence to internal quality policies, procedures, and training requirements.
  • Serve as a digital quality subject matter expert during internal and external audits for the assigned system portfolio.
  • Operate as a hands‑on individual contributor within a fast‑paced environment, defining new processes where none exist and collaborating effectively with expert peers.
  • Maintain an on‑site presence in Harwell, with potential travel between regional sites as required.
  • Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support evolving business and technical priorities.

What You’ll Need (Minimum Qualifications)

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in science, engineering or computer science.
  • 5 to 7+ years’ experience designing, implementing, and managing life sciences enterprise systems (CDS, SDMS, LIMS, ELN, LES) in a biopharmaceutical GMP environment.
  • Direct experience with automation solutions such as Hamilton Venus preferred.
  • Experience with GAMP and GxP compliance regulations.
  • Experience in laboratory systems, including data integrity regulations, instrument integration and laboratory digital workflow optimization.
  • Experience working with Digital systems hosted in cloud and understanding of connectivity between on‑prem systems and SaaS/Cloud.

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

  • Creative/innovative/problem solver that actively drives progress.
  • Ability to work independently and make sound and timely decisions to achieve expected results.
  • Strong understanding of core laboratory systems, related processes, and quality management workflows.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build successful professional working relationships.
  • Ability to participate on multiple concurrent projects in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Ability to effectively collaborate in a dynamic, cross‑functional matrix environment.
  • A desire to make an impact as part of a high‑growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Pay & Benefits

  • Best‑in‑class 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.

Equal Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodation Statement

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. Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring accommodation may contact the Accommodations and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.

Senior Systems Engineer, GXP Systems in Harwell employer: Moderna Therapeutics

At Moderna, we are at the forefront of mRNA science, and as a Senior Systems Engineer at our Harwell facility, you will be part of a dynamic team that fosters innovation and collaboration. We offer best-in-class healthcare, generous paid time off, and a holistic approach to well-being, ensuring our employees thrive both personally and professionally. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a culture that values creativity and problem-solving, Moderna is an exceptional place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Moderna Therapeutics

Contact Details:

Moderna Therapeutics Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Systems Engineer, GXP Systems in Harwell

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Moderna on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Moderna's projects and values. Show us how your experience with lab systems and compliance aligns with what they’re doing. Tailor your answers to reflect their mission!

Tip Number 3

Don’t just sit back after applying! Follow up with a polite email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar. We love seeing candidates who are proactive!

Tip Number 4

Be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Think of examples where you’ve tackled challenges in lab environments. We want to see how you can bring innovation to the table!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Systems Engineer, GXP Systems in Harwell

Design and Deployment of Laboratory Systems
Product Lifecycle Management
Validation and Optimization of Instrumentation Software
Integration of Laboratory Systems
Change Control and Regulatory Documentation
GMP Compliance
Experience with Laboratory Systems (CDS, SDMS, LIMS, ELN, LES)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with laboratory systems and compliance regulations to show us you're a perfect fit for the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about advancing mRNA science and how your background aligns with our mission. Be sure to mention any innovative solutions you've implemented in past roles!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous positions. We love candidates who can think outside the box and drive progress, so don't hold back on sharing your creative solutions!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track your application status!

How to prepare for a job interview at Moderna Therapeutics

Know Your Systems Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific laboratory systems mentioned in the job description, like LIMS and CDS. Brush up on your knowledge of GxP compliance and how these systems integrate into digital lab workflows. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the tools but can also discuss their application in a real-world context.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments. Highlight any innovative solutions you've implemented, particularly those involving automation or digital integration. This will demonstrate your ability to drive progress and adapt to new technologies.

Collaborate Like a Pro

Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully partnered with business analysts or engineers to deliver projects. This will illustrate your interpersonal skills and ability to thrive in a matrix environment.

Emphasise Compliance and Quality Management

Given the importance of GMP compliance in this role, prepare to talk about your experience with regulatory documentation and quality management workflows. Be ready to discuss how you maintain inspection readiness and ensure compliance in your previous positions, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.