Job offer from FDA: Do I accept or no?

A friend of mine recently received an offer to work for the FDA as a Consumer Safety Officer (entry-level position). The base compensation is ~$52.5k and located just outside Boston, MA. Let’s call my friend Mike… Mike is super confused if he should accept the low paying position or take an offer in the industry at a company like Moderna for ~$85k. Now, the FDA is government, so pay increases on a grid every year and within 2-3 years you will have a comfortable salary. The FDA is top tier in this industry and would most likely set up future success. What should he do? Would you recommend negotiating salary if possibly?