The Manager, Quality Control (QC) Microbiology, is responsible for oversight of day-to-day microbial QC operations at Cell Therapy Center (iCTC). The role will be responsible for working in a GMP- regulated environment and have good understanding of QC microbiology test methods and environmental monitoring. This role must be able to apply phase appropriate cGMPs and regulatory requirements in the product development life cycle, including but not limited to: lot release and stability testing, method qualification and validation, method technology transfers, and writing/review of QC procedures.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Manage several analysts at the iCTC in the day-to-day cGMP QC testing of drug products for lot release and stability; Manage microbial testing at contract laboratories
Manage the technical transfer, qualification, and validation of microbiology test methods for in- process materials, lot release, and/or stability, as needed
Manage the environmental monitoring program for the facility
Author, review, and approve SOPs, protocols, reports, specifications, and other quality control documents.
Ensure trend analysis and trend reports for environmental monitoring data are performed timely.
Lead investigations for out-of-specification test results, corrective actions, and verification of effectiveness.
Support product stability programs including generation of stability protocols, execution of stability testing, stability data analysis, and final reporting of stability data.
Support of site contamination control programs.
Oversee the maintenance and built of a microbial identification database for all in-house isolates recovered from the various monitoring programs.
Ensure trend analysis and trend reports for environmental monitoring data are performed timely.
Support site qualification/validation/commissioning activities, as needed.
Serve as a qualified trainer, as needed.
Support career development of microbiology team members.
Establish positive working relationships with internal and external partners, and implement processes for performance management, including routine meetings, onsite visits, performance monitoring, and issue notification
Support problem solving for technical issues pertaining to GMP quality control, working alongside technical SMEs as needed
Operate at a consistent and exemplary level of efficiency, producing high quality and accurate results, in a fast-paced environment
All duties are performed with minimal supervision and oversight
Required Education, Skills, and Knowledge
Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (biological sciences or equivalent)
Minimum (8) years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry within a Quality Control role
Experience managing a team a plus
Broad knowledge of biological drug development with respect to Quality Control
Demonstrated ability to manage external partners with respect to quality control activities
Successfully interface with multi-disciplined teams in a global setting
Extremely detail-oriented with strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills
Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities involving aggressive timelines at a high level of productivity
Demonstrate sense of urgency; ability to recognize time sensitivity
Flexible and adaptable style with an eagerness to take on challenges
Problem solver who not only identifies issues but leads efforts to resolve them
Preferred Education, Skills, and Knowledge
Experience with cell therapy products
The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to enable individuals to perform essential functions.
Physical Demands and Activities Required:
Must be able to wear appropriate clean room attire and all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE),
i.e. scrubs, gowning coverall, masks, gloves, etc.
Able to stand and/or walk 90% (and sit 10%) of a 10-hr day which may include climbing ladders or steps.
Must be able to use near vision to view samples at close range
Able to crouch, bend, twist, reach, and perform activities with repetitive motions.
Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing 45 pounds.
Mental:
Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem-solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadline
Work Environment:
This position will work in both an office and a manufacturing lab setting.
When in the lab, must be able to work in Lab setting with various chemical/biochemical exposures, including latex and bleach.
Able to work in cleanroom with biohazards, human blood components, and chemicals.
Potential exposure to noise and equipment hazards and strong odors.
The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.