Executive Director, Clinical QA

Neurocrine Biosciences•San Diego, CA

7d•$246,300 - $336,000

About The Position

Provides vision, strategic planning and management for departmental initiatives. Responsible for developing and setting strategy and operating plans for Clinical QA, and establishing compliance, procedures, and quality leadership. Responsible head for the Clinical QA matters for building and leading a team of highly trained and skilled quality professionals in order to implement the quality systems and perform activities necessary to ensure compliance and to ensure QA support of clinical study teams. Prepares and leads the company through pre-approval inspections and clinical audits. Coordinates interdepartmental activities both internally and externally with regulatory, clinical, drug safety, and medical affairs to ensure clinical activities and internal functions meet quality standards and reflect risk-based principals. Ensures budget, schedules, and department performance requirements are met. Additionally, mentors and coaches all employees within the QA group and provide leadership and management within the entire team.

Requirements

RN, BSN, BS/MS, or BA degree or equivalent experience in scientific or health care field and 17+ years of industry experience including GCP leadership roles within a development and commercial GCP environments. Extensive GCP audits and inspections or related experience required. Experience with developing and implementing GCP QA systems, process’ and procedures. Previous managerial experience also required
Masters Degree in similar field as noted above and 15+ years of experience as noted above
In-depth knowledge of all Clinical Trial related FDA regulations, ICH Guidelines, and experience with international GCP regulations and guidelines is required
Ability to create a comprehensive audit program and carry out audits of investigator sites and clinical research vendors for Phase I-IV studies. Requires an in-depth knowledge of auditing principles, techniques and communication skills to clearly and efficiently convey findings and report deficiencies to investigator sites as well as management
Ability to work closely with both internal and external personnel to increase the level of compliance and cooperation while creating opportunities to improve operations and implementation
Excellent understanding of domestic and international regulations and guidance documents, with a focus on FDA & EMA regulations
Strong pharmaceutical industry experience with a working knowledge of quality systems and regulatory compliance requirements for clinical quality assurance
Strong knowledge of all regulations pertaining to GxP’s and current industry trends as related to pharmaceutical, biological and gene therapy products
Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in GCP, as well as GLP and/or GMP systems throughout the product lifecycle
Demonstrated analytical ability, strong leadership skills, exceptional communication skills, creativity, and the ability to effectively manage and implement multiple projects
Ability to solve problems and troubleshoot issues
Expert at managing complex and multiple work streams in changing circumstances
Proven ability to cultivate and develop relationships with cross functional teams and vendors
Demonstrated leadership ability to identify, manage and develop QA teams
Recognized as an internal thought leader with extensive technical and business expertise within a strategic organization
Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of own function, business / commercial / scientific expertise to solve critical issues successfully and innovatively
Evaluates key business / scientific challenges and completes complex, ambiguous initiatives having cross-functional impact
Excellent interpersonal skills and competent confident communication when interacting with regulatory authorities as well as internal leaders and external partners
Analyzes complex situations / issues and effectively communicate situations / issues, along with potential recommendations, to various functional groups
Provides mentorship, acts as a trusted advisor, and is an advocate for Quality with the ability to influence change and invest deeply in the company mission
Excellent relationship building and persuasion skills with the ability to motivate and influence others; demonstrated record of overcoming resistance to change and driving the adoption of new processes from a position of indirect or informal authority
Self-motivated, hands-on critical thinker and problem solver, with the ability to lead by example, with an enthusiastic, optimistic outlook, and a collaborative style
Demonstrated ability to integrate and apply feedback in a professional manner

Responsibilities

Drives the strategic vision and direction for Clinical QA group
Develops, executives, evaluates and adjusts strategy for Clinical QA and establishes strong, effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve GCP compliance and Quality objectives
Leads effort in developing, implementing and communicating of the GCP QA vision, goals, core capabilities, and values while championing a strong Quality Culture
Partners with Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Pharmacovigilance, and Regulatory Affairs stakeholders regarding compliance issues and provides quality guidance and expert interpretation of GCP regulatory requirements and expectations
Responsible for preparations and direct participation in regulatory inspections, which may include reviewing inspection readiness planning, mock inspections, performance of pre-approval inspections, and risk-based management of program inspection quality events
Leads and project manages the development, implementation, and enhancements to the clinical QMS
Participates in the evaluation, selection, compliance audit strategy, and oversight of global clinical investigators, contract clinical laboratories, and CROs
Monitors the regulatory status of principal investigators and intervenes when sub-optimal performance is identified. Assists in remediation and corrective action plans to ensure all parts of the study are conducted properly
Supports investigational new drug applications, ex-US clinical trial applications (CTA), and related correspondence from global regulatory authorities
Develops metrics and trending of compliance activities for Clinical Quality Assurance and communicate these to upper management as necessary
Performs investigator site and vendor audits to assess the integrity of the study data and to determine if studies are being conducted in compliance with applicable GCP/regulatory requirements and guidelines, study protocols, monitoring plans and applicable policies/procedures
Directs and oversees compliance activities related to drug safety and pharmacovigilance, phase IV studies and investigator-initiated trials
Oversees and may perform the internal audits designed to determine if policies/procedures, systems, reporting and/or the conduct of the investigational studies are executed with compliance to GCP principles/regulations
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

retirement savings plan (with company match)
paid vacation, holiday and personal days
paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans

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