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
  • 5+ years in the pharmaceutical industry with a focus on Quality Assurance within a cGMP environment
  • Experience in Drug Substance manufacturing, with clinical and limited commercial experience being an advantage
  • Familiarity with CMOs/CDMOs and oversight of related activities
  • Strong knowledge of global cGMP regulations (FDA, EMA, ICH)
  • Proficient in SAP and Veeva systems
  • Excellent analytical, technical, and critical-thinking skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead GMP Quality Assurance activities for Drug Substance and Intermediate manufacturing.
  • Manage, mentor, and develop QA staff or provide leadership to cross-functional teams as needed.
  • Ensure compliance and inspection readiness for clinical and commercial programs.
  • Oversee core Quality Management System processes, including CAPAs and validation activities.
  • Act as the primary Quality assurance liaison for CMOs, reviewing critical documentation.
  • Make real-time QA decisions during key manufacturing operations.
  • Lead or support regulatory inspections and audits, facilitating QP interactions.

Benefits

  • Highly competitive benefits package.
  • Support for continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and product quality.
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.

WORK LOCATION: Onsite in Carlsbad, CA

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead and manage GMP Quality Assurance activities supporting internal and external Drug Substance and Intermediate manufacturing, testing, and release.
  • Senior Manager: May manage, mentor, and develop QA staff and/or provide functional leadership to matrixed teams, depending on organizational needs.
  • Provide QA oversight across clinical and commercial programs, ensuring phase-appropriate compliance and inspection readiness.
  • Oversee, and/or support 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 Quality assurance interface for contract manufacturing and testing organizations (CMOs), including review and approval of manufacturing documentation, analytical data, deviations, changes, and validation packages.
  • Support and/or participate in real-time QA 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.
  • Support 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.
  • Support 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 experience in 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
  • knowledge of global cGMP regulations (FDA, EMA, ICH, etc.).
  • SAP and Veeva systems experience
  • 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 # IONIS004115

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.

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