Full Job Description
We are seeking a highly experienced Quality Control (QC) Manager to lead cGMP QC operations supporting recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibody (mAb) manufacturing within a world-class biologics CDMO environment. This role is responsible for ensuring the execution, compliance, and continuous improvement of QC testing programs supporting clinical and commercial biologics release, raw materials/in-process testing, and manages a team of qualified QC professionals. This role is highly visible and interfaces directly with Manufacturing, QA, MSAT, Regulatory Affairs, and external clients, serving as a key QC subject matter expert during audits and client meetings. This position requires strong experience in QC laboratory operations and a deep understanding of cGMP/GDP testing requirements.
Responsibilities
QC Leadership and Operational Management:
• Lead daily operations of QC Analytical lab supporting biologics testing (mAbs, recombinant proteins, fusion proteins)
• Oversee testing activities for:
• Drug substance and drug product release
• Raw materials and in-process samples
• Reference Standard management
• Stability studies (ICH-compliant programs)
• Testing associated with Qualification/Validation of Test Methods
• Ensure timely execution of testing to support manufacturing schedules and batch disposition
• Drive training programs, scheduling, and technical capability development
• Timely maintenance of calibration, PM, qualification of lab instruments
• Lead daily operations of QC Analytical lab supporting biologics testing (mAbs, recombinant proteins, fusion proteins)
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and develop QC associates (typically 4-6 + team members)
• Communicate departmental goals, priorities, and performance expectations to direct reports
• Drive lean laboratory practices, resource planning, and operational excellence initiatives
• Support strategic planning for new equipment, staff capacity planning, organizational structure, and resource requirements.
• Improve turnaround time (TAT), right-first-time execution, and lab efficiency
• Maintain accurate and current release/stability inventory records, testing schedules, and timely issuance of associated CoA's and summary sheets.
• Represent QC analytical in internal meetings, client meetings, audits, and cross-functional discussions related to stability and reference standards.
• Author and/or review deviations, investigations, CAPAs, change controls, and risk assessments related to stability and reference standard programs.
• Support or lead investigations involving OOS, OOT, non-conformances, and laboratory events.
• Review analytical data packages, perform data trending, and provide troubleshooting support for complex laboratory issues.
• Occasional travel may be required between Abzena sites, including San Diego, California and Bristol, Pennsylvania.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Biology, or related Life Sciences discipline
• Minimum 10 years of experience in QC GMP pharmaceutical or biotechnology laboratories within a cGMP-regulated environment
• Minimum 5-6 years of people management experience in QC laboratory settings
• Extensive knowledge of HPLC, ELISA, Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), cIEF (Maurice platform), UV-Vis, cell-based potency assay, and compendial methods.
• Knowledge of ICH, EP, USP, and FDA guidelines relating to method development, qualification/validation, and stability studies.
$120,000 - $150,000 a year
FLSA: Exempt