ZS Associates

Validation Consultant

ZS Associates$90K — $130K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Science, Medical, or a related field.
  • 6 - 10 years of hands-on experience in Computer System Validation within GxP-regulated environments.
  • Strong practical knowledge of global regulations such as 21 CFR Part 11 and GAMP 5.
  • Proven expertise in delivering full validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ/UAT) across Agile and traditional SDLC models.
  • Experience with automation concepts including test automation frameworks.
  • Strong client-facing skills with the ability to communicate complex strategies to diverse stakeholders.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, able to operate independently while collaborating effectively across teams.

Responsibilities

  • Act as a CSV/CSA advisor, partnering with various teams to design compliant validation programs.
  • Lead the end-to-end CSV lifecycle for GxP systems, including strategy and audit readiness.
  • Draft, review, and approve essential validation deliverables ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Define validation strategies for modern technologies such as AI/ML and support implementation.
  • Apply risk-based CSA approaches to enhance compliance and business value.
  • Oversee all testing and validation activities across multiple phases.
  • Manage validation execution using tools like JIRA and HP ALM.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive total rewards package supporting health, well-being, and financial future.
  • Robust skills-building programs and multiple career progression paths available.
  • Internal mobility opportunities for growth and role expansion.
  • Flexible hybrid working model combining remote and on-site work.
  • A collaborative culture that promotes meaningful work and personal development.
Full Job Description
The Validation Consultant is part of the Testing and QA Expertise Center that adopts the latest cutting-edge technologies, methods, and automation to drive enterprise testing efficiency.

What you'll do: Validation Consultant in the Testing and QA Expertise Center will...
  • Act as a trusted CSV/CSA advisor to client stakeholders, partnering with business, IT, QA, and compliance teams to design and sustain compliant, efficient validation programs.
  • Lead the end-to-end CSV lifecycle for GxP-regulated systems, including strategy definition, planning, execution, and audit readiness.
  • Draft, review, and approve validation deliverables such as Validation Plans, URS, FS, DS, Risk Assessments, IQ/OQ/PQ protocols and reports, Traceability Matrices, Error Logs, Configuration Documents, and Validation Summary Reports, ensuring compliance with 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and global regulatory expectations.
  • Define and present validation strategies and POVs for modern technologies, including AI/ML models, GenAI-enabled systems, and R/Python-based analytics, and support their implementation in client environments.
  • Apply and advocate risk-based CSA approaches aligned with GAMP 5 (2nd Edition) to balance compliance, efficiency, and business value.
  • Oversee and coordinate testing and validation activities across unit, system, integration, UAT, performance, and regression testing.
  • Manage validation execution and traceability using tools such as JIRA, HP ALM (preferred), Solution Manager, Kneat, or equivalent platforms.
  • Provide SME support on GxP, CSV, CSA, data integrity, and regulatory compliance topics during audits, inspections, and client reviews.
  • Develop, review, and implement CSV SOPs, work instructions, and quality processes, ensuring alignment with global regulatory requirements.
  • Mentor and guide junior validation team members, supporting capability building and consistency across engagements.
  • Deliver training sessions on CSV, quality, and compliance practices to client users and internal teams.


What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Science, Medical, or a related field.
  • 6 - 10 years of hands-on experience in Computer System Validation within GxP-regulated environments (GCP/GMP; FDA, EU, MHRA).
  • Able to travel up to 20%
  • Strong practical knowledge of global regulations and guidelines, including 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, GAMP 5, ICH Q9, QSR, ISO 13485, HIPAA, and related standards.
  • Proven experience delivering full validation documentation and qualification activities (IQ/OQ/PQ/UAT) across Agile and traditional SDLC models.
  • Deep understanding of CSV/CSA risk assessments, including GxP, business, and functional risk analysis, system gap assessments, and remediation planning.
  • Strong awareness of evolving industry trends in CSV validation, with the ability to adapt validation strategies for GenAI and AI/ML-based systems.
  • Experience with automation concepts, including test automation frameworks and validation considerations for automated testing.
  • Hands-on exposure to data platforms and ETL validation, including SQL-based validation, data verification, and troubleshooting.
  • Experience working with Pharma/Biotech R&D systems, with a solid understanding of drug development processes from discovery through post-marketing.
  • Excellent client-facing skills, with the ability to articulate validation rationale, risk-based decisions, and compliance strategies to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Strong command of Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and quality systems implementation.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with confidence presenting to clients and leadership.
  • Ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively across global, cross-functional teams.
  • Fluency in English
  • Client-first mentality
  • Intense work ethic
  • Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach

How you'll grow:
  • Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways
  • Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
  • Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions


Perks & Benefits:

At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well-being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills-building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you'll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in United States, visit ZS US office locations | Where we work | ZS.

Hybrid working model:

We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.

Travel:

Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.

If you're eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.

To complete your application:
Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An on-line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.

NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.

Find Out More At:
www.zs.com

About ZS Associates

ZS is a professional services firm that works side by side with companies to help develop and deliver products that drive customer value and company results. From R&D to portfolio strategy, customer insights, marketing and sales strategy, operations and technology, we leverage our deep industry expertise and leading-edge analytics to create solutions that work in the real world. Our most valuable asset is our people?a fact that?s reflected in our values-driven organization in which new perspectives are integral and new ideas are celebrated. ZSers are passionately committed to helping companies and their customers thrive in industries ranging from healthcare and life sciences, to high-tech, financial services, travel and transportation, and beyond.
Learn more about ZS Associates
Size
10,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1983

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