ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, QUALITY ASSURANCE

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

1d•$109,856 - $191,062•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Regulatory Affairs and Quality (ORAQ) at Duke University is seeking an Associate Director, Quality Assurance to provide strategic leadership for GMP quality programs supporting the development and manufacture of innovative therapies, biologics, vaccines, medical devices, and other regulated products. In this highly visible role, you will serve as a key quality leader, partnering with Duke investigators, GMP facility leadership, regulatory stakeholders, and external sponsors to ensure quality systems effectively support clinical and manufacturing programs. You will help shape and oversee quality management systems across multiple GMP facilities and product platforms, provide expert guidance on regulatory requirements, support inspections and audits, and lead initiatives that advance Duke's mission of translating scientific discoveries into therapies that improve human health. This position reports to the Director, Quality and plays a critical role in supporting compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across Duke's GMP programs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline (Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts).
Minimum of five years of experience in a GxP-regulated environment.
Experience leading complex projects and multidisciplinary teams with measurable outcomes.
Experience making independent Quality Assurance decisions and providing strategic quality guidance.
Experience representing Quality Assurance during audits, inspections, and senior leadership meetings.
Experience evaluating and improving quality systems, including conducting gap assessments and monitoring effectiveness.
Expert knowledge of GxP regulations and quality systems.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional initiatives.
Ability to interpret and apply U.S. and global GMP regulations and regulatory guidance.
Ability to effectively represent Duke with regulatory agencies, external sponsors, vendors, and other stakeholders.
Participation in internal and external audits, inspections, and regulatory interactions as needed.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or PhD in a related scientific field.
Experience supporting diverse product development programs, including drugs, biologics, cellular therapies, vaccines, medical devices, blood products, and HCT/Ps.
Experience developing and delivering regulatory or quality training programs.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and relationship-management skills.
Ability to build, mentor, and retain high-performing teams.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee GMP quality management systems across multiple facilities, product platforms, and development programs to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.
Provide strategic quality leadership for GMP initiatives, partnering with ORAQ leadership, investigators, manufacturing teams, and external sponsors to address quality, compliance, and risk management considerations.
Guide complex quality activities including deviations, investigations, out-of-specification results, product release decisions, CAPAs, and continuous improvement efforts.
Represent Quality Assurance during audits, regulatory inspections, sponsor interactions, and cross-functional project teams while serving as a trusted subject matter expert.
Develop and mentor staff by leading quality professionals, fostering professional growth, and supporting a culture of quality throughout Duke's GMP operations.