Manager/Senior Manager, GMP Quality - Drug Substance

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

$70K — $126K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry with a focus on Quality Assurance in a cGMP setting.
  • Experience supporting Drug Substance manufacturing across clinical trials; limited commercial experience beneficial but not mandatory.
  • Familiarity with contract manufacturing and contract development organizations (CMOs/CDMOs).
  • Knowledge of global cGMP regulations (FDA, EMA, ICH, etc.) essential.
  • Proficiency in SAP and Veeva systems is highly preferred.
  • Strong analytical, technical, and critical-thinking skills with excellent communication abilities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead GMP Quality Assurance activities for Drug Substance and Intermediate manufacturing and testing.
  • Demonstrate strategic leadership, managing complex quality projects and regulatory inspection activities.
  • Ensure compliance and inspection readiness across clinical and commercial programs.
  • Oversee Quality Management System processes including batch record review and CAPAs.
  • Act as QA interface for CMOs, reviewing manufacturing and analytical documentation.
  • Provide real-time support during critical manufacturing operations with risk-based decision-making.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives within quality operations.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness plans.
  • Generous paid time off and leave policies.
  • Retirement savings plans with company matching.
  • Professional development and training opportunities.
  • Flexible work arrangements.
Full Job Description
MANAGER/ SENIOR MANAGER, GMP QUALITY - DRUG SUBSTANCE

SUMMARY:

Ionis is seeking an experienced Manager/ Senior Manager, GMP Quality - Drug Substance to provide Quality Assurance activities supporting both clinical and commercial Drug Substance (DS) manufacturing and testing. This role provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and hands-on QA expertise across internal operations and external manufacturing partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead and manage GMP Quality Assurance activities supporting internal and external Drug Substance and Intermediate manufacturing, testing, and release.
  • Senior Manager-level candidates are expected to demonstrate broader strategic leadership, lead complex cross-functional quality initiatives, influence quality systems and operational strategy, and independently manage regulatory inspection activities and high-risk quality decision
  • Provide QA oversight across clinical and commercial programs, ensuring phase-appropriate compliance and inspection readiness.
  • Oversee and execute core Quality Management System (QMS) processes, including batch record review, deviations, investigations, CAPAs, change control, OOS/OOT management, risk management, validation, and training compliance.
  • Serve as the QA interface for contract manufacturing and testing organizations (CMOs), including review and approval of manufacturing documentation, analytical data, deviations, changes, and validation packages.
  • Provide real-time QA support and risk-based decision-making during critical manufacturing operations
  • Support and lead regulatory inspections, partner audits, and Qualified Person (QP) interactions.
  • Review and approve technical and quality documentation, including validation reports, stability data, and APQR/QMR inputs.
  • Utilize enterprise quality systems, including SAP and Veeva, to support compliant and efficient quality operations.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance compliance, efficiency, and product quality.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Technical Operations, CMC, Regulatory, Clinical, Supply Chain, and IT teams.
  • Communicate quality- or supply-impacting issues clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Drive new quality initiatives and cross-functional projects.
  • Apply strong cGMP knowledge in daily activities.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.


REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Engineering, or a related discipline
  • At least 5 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, including Quality Assurance within a cGMP environment
  • Demonstrated experience supporting Drug Substance manufacturing across both clinical; limited commercial experience is a plus but not required.
  • Experience working with CMOs/CDMOs, including oversight of manufacturing, testing, and release activities
  • Working knowledge of global cGMP regulations (FDA, EMA, ICH, etc.).
  • Experience with SAP and Veeva systems is highly desired.
  • Strong analytical, technical, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.


Please visit our website, http://www.ionis.com for more information about Ionis and to apply for this position; reference requisition #IONIS004028

Ionis offers an excellent benefits package! Follow this link for more details: Ionis Benefits

Full Benefits Link: https://ionis.com/careers#:~:text=Highly%20competitive%20benefits

The pay scale for this position is $70,844 to $126,585
The pay scale for the Manager position is $70,844 to $102,371
The pay scale for the Senior Manager position is $87,530 to $126,585

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.

#LI-Onsite

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Manager/Senior Manager, GMP Quality - Drug Substance jobs: