November 27, 2023 Job ID: 23017

AbCellera is breaking the barriers of conventional antibody discovery to bring better medicines to patients, sooner. Our engine integrates expert teams, technology, and facilities with the data science and automation needed to propel antibody-based medicines from target to clinic with precision and speed.

The Director, QC Analytical / Bio-Analytical is responsible for overseeing all Analytical/Bio-Analytical testing requirements of a state-of-the-art Biologics Drug Substance (DS) and Drug Product (DP) clinical manufacturing facility.  The QC Analytical/Bio-Analytical labs, operating within AbCellera’s Quality Control (QC) department, will support all in-process, release, and ongoing stability testing of early clinical-phase (Phase I/II) Therapeutic Monoclonal (Mab) and Bispecific Antibody (BsAbs) products.  This position is responsible for establishing, operating, and maintaining GMP Compliant QC Analytical/Bio-Analytical laboratory facilities. 

We’re offering a generous compensation package including an equity stake in AbCellera’s success. Our future facility will be nestled in the heart of Vancouver, Canada - we’ll support you and your family in every way we can to relocate if you haven't had the joy of living in this beautiful area!

We’d love to hear from you if:

  • You are strongly self-motivated and are able to identify project needs and follow that up with building and implementing solutions
  • You are passionate about building dynamic new teams and capabilities that accomplish important goals
  • You have a bias towards innovation over industry standards
  • You are an outstanding communicator and teammate 
  • You demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills

How you might spend your days:

  • Overseeing day-to-day QC operations including Chemical Testing, Biological Testing, and Stability Testing areas, ensuring adherence to cGMP standards
  • Determining QC layout, design, qualification, and operation to optimize lab usage through increased flexibility, reduced complexity, and assure compliance with cGMP
  • Ensuring all lab facilities, utilities and equipment are designed and installed to be operated in a safe and effective manner and are compliant with applicable standards, and to drive innovation with new technologies
  • Writing, reviewing, and/or approving SOPs, sampling plans, and protocols
  • Ensuring QC lab facilities, utilities and equipment are designed and installed to be operated in a safe and effective manner and are compliant with applicable standards, and to drive innovation with new technologies
  • Overseeing GMP clinical and commercial stability planning, execution, data analysis and data trending in support of product expiry/shelf-life determination
  • Managing the Reference Standard/Materials and Raw Material/Component sampling testing and release programs
  • Monitoring QC resource capacity planning. Manage the work so that the samples and analyzes are done on time and with the required level of quality
  • Managing the Retain and Reference Samples program
  • Leading, mentoring, and coaching staff, and establish effective performance management. Set and deliver on individual and team goals that support the department and site strategy
  • Ensuring adequate management of QC related validations, transfers, investigations related activities (deviations, OOS, OOE, OOT, CAPAs, trending), CAPA, and Change Control activities.
  • Preparing and review all types of analytical test protocols and reports to ensure all testing comply with applicable Pharmacopeial and cGMP guidelines
  • Assuring ongoing readiness for regulatory inspection; interact with Regulatory agencies in support of inspections, participate in internal and external audits, and prepare responses to correspondence and findings

Required qualifications and experience:

  • Masters degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related life science field. A PhD is highly desirable
  • 12+ years of industry Quality Control experience within an FDA CBER/CDER or EMA regulated industry with expert working knowledge in at least one relevant QC department (e.g., Bioassay, Chemistry or Immunoassays technology)
  • 6+ years experience building, leading, developing, coaching, and mentoring a cross-functional team
  • Direct experience and knowledge in antibody CMC development, protein chemistry and/or molecular biology (Protein characterization and method development) is highly desirable
  • Excellent working knowledge of applicable industry regulations (FDA, EMA), guidance documents (e.g. ICH) and industry best-practices (e.g. PDA technical Reports)
  • Experience with implementation phase-appropriate QC management systems supporting CMC through IND/BLA in compliance with applicable regulations, guidelines, and industry best practices
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

What we offer:

AbCellera’s hiring range for this role is $146,000 - $183,000, annually, commensurate with your education and job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We base our salary ranges on localized market data ensuring competitive compensation. In addition to base salary, we offer equity, annual bonus dependent on team and company performance, and 6% (non-match) RRSP contribution. 

At AbCellera, we have a number of initiatives to support AbCellerites in maximizing their work-life synergy. You will have a $1,500 annual active lifestyle allowance, annual vacation and company-wide office closures (a real value to all!), opportunity for flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and comprehensive health benefits. Scientific and technical mentorship is a priority. Abundant team and social groups to build community and connections within AbCellera are a given.

About AbCellera:

At AbCellera, we find the next generation of therapeutic antibodies. To succeed, we have created innovative solutions at every step - custom antigen preparation and immunizations, microfluidics, high-throughput imaging, genomics, computation, machine learning and laboratory automation - leaving no stone unturned and revolutionizing how scientists can explore natural antibody diversity and the scale at which they can do it. You’ll join a diverse and multi-disciplinary team of biologists, biochemists, engineers, bioinformaticians, computer scientists and physicists - all working together to bring better therapies to patients. This is life-changing research and you could be a part of it.

We’re a growing company with state-of-the-art discovery tools and the drive to be the best in the industry. This isn’t just about having the best technology. We know we need a world-class team of innovators working together to solve the toughest problems. We look for people with drive and energy. Idealists. People we love and people we trust. This may be unconventional, but it is the key to our success. We’re looking for someone like you to support and organize our efforts along the way.

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