Associate Director, Quality Control

Position Summary:

The Associate Director, Quality Control will be responsible for providing strategic, scientific, and operational leadership for the development, qualification, validation, and lifecycle management of analytical methods supporting Upstream Bio’s lead program verekitug. This role will manage and execute GMP quality control (QC) activities directly related to batch release for clinical trial material supply. The leader in this role must assure that quality controls for investigational new drugs (investigational medicinal products) meet all quality requirements, regulatory standards, and meet continuous clinical supply and delivery expectations. The Associate Director will report to Senior Director of Analytical and serve as a key partner to Quality, CMC, Regulatory, and cross-functional teams. This individual will provide technical guidance and business acumen to ensure execution of analytical activities for late-stage programs through BLA/MAA submission, approval, and commercial launch.

Key Responsibilities:

• Author, review and approve analytical method procedures/SOPs
• Author, review and approve analytical method transfer/qualification/validation protocols and reports
• Manage external CDMOs and CROs to execute Development and GMP release and stability testing of Drug Substance and Drug Product in a compliant-manner
• Establish and manage reference standard and critical reagent programs
• Participate in the laboratory quality system activities such as internal audits, writing standard operating procedures, and documentation review.
• Perform data verification and audits in order to ensure accuracy of data and analytical processes.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and SOPs as well as global health authority guidelines.
• Create, analyze, verify, and approve QC data such as method validation, release and stability, results, reports, and Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
• Generate, review, and revise specifications, SOPs, and other QC laboratory and testing documentation.
• Lead Out-of-Specification (OOS), Out-of-Trend (OOT), and Deviation investigations related to the QC laboratory and ensure effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) are implemented.

Qualifications:

• Experience in stability study performance/evaluation and/or knowledge/familiarity with USP/compendial testing is helpful.
• Excellent verbal and written communication/interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a diverse team environment are essential.
• Proficiency with Microsoft software (Word / EXCEL / PowerPoint), Stability software and statistical analysis/trending to support shelf life and labeling is expected.

Knowledge and skills (general and technical) preferred:

• Broad background, strong comprehension, and demonstrated skills in analytical methods development/validation/transfer/similar, reference standards characterization/structural elucidation, and unknown identification.

Education level and/or relevant experience required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or allied health field (or equivalent degree) and 10+ years of demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams and managing projects along with 7+ years relevant analytical experience in a cGMP-compliant pharmaceutical laboratory environment. Any ASQ or other certifications is a plus.

About Upstream Bio:

Upstream Bio is a public company based in Waltham, MA. We are developing verekitug, the only known antagonist currently in development that targets the receptor for Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP). We have advanced this highly potent monoclonal antibody into separate Phase 2 trials for the treatment of severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and plan to initiate development in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our experienced team is committed to maximizing verekitug’s unique attributes to address the substantial unmet needs for patients underserved by today’s standard of care. Learn more about us at upstreambio.com.

Compensation

Target Salary Range: $176,400 - $215,600

*Base Compensation for this role will depend on a number of factors including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Base pay is only one component of the company’s total rewards package. All regular employees are also eligible for the corporate bonus program or the incentive compensation program (if applicable), as well as equity. Additional benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, etc.