Quality Assurance Specialist III, External Manufacturing

Join our Mission to Protect Humankind!

Vaxcyte is a clinical-stage vaccine innovation company engineering high-fidelity vaccines to protect humankind from the consequences of bacterial diseases, which have serious and costly health consequences when left unchecked. Working to eradicate or treat bacterial infections such as invasive pneumococcal disease, Group A Strep, and Shigella is just the beginning. Our path to success is clear and well-defined, and Vaxcyte is set up to go the distance. 

WHAT we do is every bit as important as  HOW we do it! Our work together is guided by four enduring core values:

*RETHINK CONVENTION: We bring creative and intellectual diversity to every facet of the work we do in order to innovate and re-innovate the way vaccines are delivered.

*AIM HIGH: We embody our collectively audacious goal to courageously make the most complex biologics ever attempted to protect humankind.

*LEAD WITH HEART: Everyone leads at Vaxcyte with a kindness-first, inclusive approach to collaboration and vigorous debate that advances our business objectives.

*MODEL EXCELLENCE:  The magnitude of our challenge requires our shared commitment to demonstrating integrity, accountability, equality and clarity across communications and decision making.

Summary:

The Quality Assurance Specialist (QA) III, External Manufacturing will play a pivotal role in ensuring that all GxP external batch records, quality records adhere to Vaxcyte’s quality standards and regulatory requirements. This individual will perform activities supporting dispositioning product while ensuring compliance with Quality Assurance policies and procedures, cGMPs, SOPs, and Vaxcyte’s Standard Requirement Documents. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) and regulatory guidelines within the pharmaceutical industry.

Essential Functions:

• GMP Batch Record and Product or Program Document: reviewing executed batch records (paper and electronic), product or program specific documents, deviation and change control review and approval, documenting batch review comments, and effectively working with cross functional team, may be the primary QA point of contact with CDMO.
• Product Disposition: Performing activities associated with disposition of product (e.g. document review and approval, document archival, raw data review).
• Problem Solving: Representing Quality Assurance in support of Deviations, Change Controls, CAPAs, etc., including active participation in investigation, evaluation, and problem resolution. Effective, independent conflict resolution.
• Technology Transfer and Validation: May participate as a QA representative on Technology Transfer and/or Validation Teams where responsibilities include providing guidance on QA procedures and policies as well as review of documents for both internal and external transfers.
• Documentation and Reporting: Reviewing, editing, or approving controlled documents. Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of related quality activities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all disposition-related activities comply with global regulatory requirements, including FDA, EMA, ICH guidelines, and other applicable regulations.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with global manufacturing, and external vendors to address quality issues and support product development and commercialization.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive improvements in batch record review processes and procedures by identifying gaps, recommending solutions, and implementing best practices.
• Participate in activities for the implementation of the ERP platform.
• Support internal audits as required.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacy, Engineering, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality assurance, batch record review, manufacturing, or quality systems management within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industry. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, ICH guidelines, FDA/EMA regulations, and other international pharmaceutical quality standards.
• Demonstrated experience managing batch record review and deviation resolution. Electronic batch record review experience would be advantageous.
• Great organization skills and have an attention to detail.
• In-depth understanding of biologics manufacturing operations.
• Good ability to prioritize multiple assignments and changing priorities.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to manage complex investigations and root cause analyses.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present quality issues to cross-functional teams.

Reports to:  Senior Manager, Quality Assurance

Location:  Visp, Switzerland

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (minimum of 3 days per week)

Compensation:

The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.