Associate Director, GMP QA - Analytical Biologics

Job Description

The role is recognized as an expert internally in the principles and application of quality and regulatory compliance. The individual adapts to new and multiple projects, effectively ensuring alignment with corporate goals and compliance with all regulatory requirements. This role is responsible for managing compliance data review in support of biologics development programs at Vertex. The role is also responsible for coordinating with Quality Disposition teams for review of development program product release testing and Certificate of Analysis approval. This role will manage direct reports to execute the team's responsibilities.

This position reports to Director, GMP Operations Quality. This role requires a minimum of 3 days onsite per week at our Boston, MA office.

Key Responsibilities: The responsibilities of this role may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage Quality staff to collaborate with cross functional technical groups on product stability programs.
• QA review of Analytical data in support of Clinical development programs.
• Support all analytical related deviations and investigations, OOS, OOTs as applicable. Lead Material Review Board discussions, as necessary
• Issuance of Stability reports upon request
• Review of RSS and Shipping Excursion Study Reports
• Oversee and conduct method validation/ transfer data review, for Clinical reference standard programs.
• Review and approve Method Validation and transfer Protocols/reports generated internally and externally.
• Support investigations and QA guidance for complex investigations
• Communicate any risks and gaps to management as known.
• Coordinate with Quality Disposition teams to ensure review and reporting of product release data
• Perform Compliance review of data in support of disposition of Clinical product
• Resolve issues with CMO or internal technical teams
• Support all analytical related deviations and investigations, OOS, OOTs as applicable
• Approve Certificate of Analysis
• Review and approve stability trend reports in a timely manner
• Identify and discuss stability trends with management
• Product Transition to Commercial / Registration to Validation / PAI Readiness
• Evaluate CMO Quality Systems to ensure compliance with commercial expectations
• Provide onsite support for critical batches
• Test Articles Oversight
• Review of Test Article production records
• Review of Test article data
• Approval of Test article C of A
• Change Controls- execution
• Owner /Assessor of Change controls
• QA Approver work with technical teams to resolve gaps and approve change plans and classification
• Supporting deployment of QMS (GMP Rep)
• Generate Performance updates for presentation to QMT, QLT, EQLT as needed
• Gap/Risk communication
• Metric analysis
• Participate on process improvement initiatives
• Performance Management/ Individual Development/ Training
• Goals development
• Perform performance reviews
• Create Individual Development Plans in conjunction with employee
• Timely completion of training requirements prior to execution

Minimum qualifications:

• Master's degree and 5-8 years of relevant work experience, or Bachelor's degree in a scientific or allied health field (or equivalent degree) and 10+ years of relevant work experience, or relevant comparable background
• Successful people management
• Previous experience with product stability programs

Preferred Qualifications:

• Analytical Experience preferred: Data review, deviation review, change control experience, and Quality System background helpful.
• Demonstrate adaptability; think analytically with ability to conduct data analysis while paying attention to details
• Broad GxP Knowledge with ability to communicate effectively, collaborate and think critically to support impact assessments
• Ability to understand technical processes, Knowledge and application of risk management principles/ Risk Impact evaluation-aligning effort to level of risk
• Facilitation/ Problem Solving /organizational, planning, etc./ RCA tools/methodology/ Technical writing
• Working knowledge of GMP regulations and applicability to duties. Operational QA experience in analytical or manufacturing setting, interpretation and application of GMPs and applicable guidelines/guidance's ex. ICH, USP, etc. or other industry best practices ex. ISPE, WHO, etc. Successful track record influencing cross functional teams
  • Communication, Influencing, Relationship Management/conflict mgmt.
  • Questioning-Ability to understand and translate customer needs
  • In depth knowledge of GMP/GDP regulations and application
• Strong Quality Systems experience/background, experience presenting to cross functional audience, Coordination and planning experience-
  • Critical, analytical and Strategic thinking
  • Ability to assess impact across multiple procedures and systems
  • Cross functional collaboration, in-depth GMP knowledge, and experience in Presentation/Facilitation/ Risk Mgmt
• Experience in GMP activities: Previous working experience with ICH expectations for Stability
  • Knowledge of analytical techniques and data review
  • Attention to detail/ Sense of urgency- ability to act quickly/Escalation process
  • Previous experience with method validation and transfer oversight
• Previous CMO oversight experience:
  • Broad GMP knowledge across lifecycle of the product
  • Ability to Negotiate and Collaborate with team members to achieve results
• Preferred experience in conducting/hosting/participating in regulatory/vendor or internal audits.
• Prior experience in inspection support roles/Knowledge of audit process/Project Management
• Strategic thinking/Understanding of agency expectations/Broad GxP understanding
• Good understanding of GLP standards. Previous experience and success navigating gray areas.
• Support review of test article characterization data
• Previous experience with Biomarker testing oversight helpful.
• Previous regulatory submission review experience:
• Detail oriented with good knowledge of regulatory agency requirements.
• A broad level of GMP understanding and ability to collaborate cross-functionally in a team setting
• Ability to think strategically with clear goals in mind.

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Pay Range:
$153,900 - $230,900

Disclosure Statement:

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation:
Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

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