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's mission is to establish a leading-edge research, development, and manufacturing facility at Harwell, as part of a long-term commitment to onshore mRNA vaccine production for respiratory diseases. This initiative will create a multitude of highly skilled jobs and foster collaboration with academic, NHS and government partners across the UK. We're looking for global experts eager to join us in this endeavour, contributing to a future where access to life-saving vaccines is a reality for all.
As the Head of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) for Moderna’s Harwell site, you will lead the site’s EHS function in a pivotal moment—supporting the launch and operation of our state-of-the-art mRNA drug substance manufacturing facility and collocated R&D Center. This includes oversight of BSL2 and BSL3 laboratory environments.
You will drive the development and implementation of Moderna’s comprehensive EHS strategy, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of proactive safety and sustainability. This is a strategic leadership role with visibility across the organization and an opportunity to help shape Moderna’s global safety culture from the ground up. You’ll also play an active part in select global EHS programs and have opportunities to interface with cutting-edge technologies, including the use of data-driven decision tools and Generative AI.
Here’s What You’ll Do
Your key responsibilities will be:
- Lead and own all Environment, Health & Safety activities across the Harwell site, serving as the site’s primary EHS representative and voice.
- Build and evolve the site’s EHS strategy, ensuring alignment with global EHS priorities and local regulatory requirements.
- Develop and implement a robust, risk-based EHS Management System tailored to the site's complex operational landscape, including manufacturing and high-containment laboratories.
- Embed safety practices into day-to-day operations and cultivate site-wide cultural engagement in EHS ownership and accountability.
- Lead and continuously optimize environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives to exceed legal and corporate standards.
- Oversee emergency preparedness and crisis management planning, ensuring readiness and business continuity.
- Act as the lead Moderna representative in interactions with external regulatory authorities and during inspections.
- Contribute to the design and implementation of global EHS initiatives across Moderna’s expanding network.
Your Responsibilities Will Also Include
- Ensure compliance with all local and international EHS regulations, permits, and internal requirements, particularly in chemical safety, biological safety, occupational health, and environmental systems.
- Collaborate closely with the Biosafety Officer and Lab Commissioning Lead to ensure robust biosafety programs for BSL2 and BSL3 operations.
- Deliver engaging and targeted EHS training that enhances awareness, builds capability, and supports compliance.
- Maintain complete, current documentation in line with regulatory, corporate, and GMP expectations.
- Track performance through KPIs and data analytics to drive proactive risk mitigation and continuous improvement.
- Support or lead strategic projects within Moderna’s Global EHS function as needed.
The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:
- We behave like owners. The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description. This role demands a proactive, ownership-oriented mindset as you establish the EHS foundation for an entire site. You'll be responsible for systems that affect the safety of all site personnel, as well as Moderna's compliance and reputation. Thinking beyond your immediate tasks will be critical to long-term success.
- We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients. Leveraging data and digital tools to monitor and enhance safety performance is key. You’ll be expected to integrate automation, analytics, and potentially Generative AI solutions to transform traditional EHS processes into smart, adaptive systems.
Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
- A degree in Environmental, Health & Safety, Engineering, or a relevant scientific discipline.
- A minimum of 10 years of EHS experience in the life sciences sector, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)
- Proven experience in driving mature EHS performance in a commercialized manufacturing or laboratory setting, aligning operational goals with EHS strategy.
- Deep knowledge of UK EHS regulations, with the ability to navigate and manage complex compliance and permitting requirements.
- Demonstrated expertise in implementing and managing site-level EHS management systems and associated programs across a broad EHS spectrum.
- Competence in biosafety management, particularly in supporting BSL-2 and BSL-3 operations, is strongly preferred.
- A track record of building strong, collaborative cross-functional relationships and fostering a positive and proactive EHS culture.
- Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement, with a commitment to achieving world-class EHS performance.
- High proficiency in MS Office tools, strong organizational and written communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail.
- Ability to thrive independently in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.
- As part of Moderna’s commitment to workplace safety, this role may require an enhanced pre-employment check.
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.
- Quality healthcare and insurance benefits
- Lifestyle Spending Accounts to create your own pathway to well-being
- Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
- Family planning and adoption benefits
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
- Savings and investments
- 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.
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.
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 smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.
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].
