Job Description

The Senior Quality Specialist will provide QA support for manufacturing operations, analytical laboratory operations, and materials management for the internal programs at Vertex Manufacturing Center (VMC), Boston, MA.

The position will be a part of the QA operation floor support team. This role will review & support activities related to product disposition, including batch data, batch records, deviations, in-process data, EM data, QC release testing, and other quality systems documentation. The Senior Quality Specialist supports or executes daily activities related to equipment or instrumentation supporting Facilities, Utilities, Manufacturing, and Labs.

The position will support multiple production functions (from Quality operations to Quality Engineering) to achieve site goals while providing Quality oversight and ensuring compliance. Supporting resolution of potential nonconformance events by applying the deviation and CAPA management procedure, in conjunction with other procedures as applicable, to facilitate decision-making with a cross-functional team, as needed. Advising Production on proper documentation as needed and performing other duties as assigned.

This role will require local presence at the VMC, Boston site.

Key Leadership Skills:

• Cross-functional collaborator

• Results Driver

Key Knowledge/ Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to thrive in a high throughput environment

• Critical Thinking / Problem-Solving

  • Ability to evaluate quality matters and make decisions

• Strong oral and written communication skills required

• Good Interpersonal skills required

• Attention to detail

• Knowledge in the following areas:

  • Knowledge of global GMP requirements governing oral drug products and knowledge of oral drug product manufacturing practices

  • Ability to work under limited supervision

Oversight of Internal Operations – QA Operation and Compliance

• Act as a first point of contact in case of production queries (quality related) during packaging and labeling operations.

• Lead, mentor, and coach Operations and support personnel on quality matters, while driving the site Quality culture.

• Ensure regular presence in GMP operations areas as needed. Approves line, and area clearance.

• Review and approve batch production records and other GMP documentation in support of daily operations.

• Review and approve Deviation, CAPA, and Change Control records.

• Support performance metrics, trends; including site metrics for investigation/CAPA, Equipment and Facility Change Controls, etc

• Participate in self-led inspections and provide support during internal/external regulatory inspections.

• Responsible for identifying risks and communicating gaps for GMP process/systems

• Support Lean Transformation and Operational Excellence initiatives

• Adhering to safety rules and maintaining a safe work environment for both you and others by supporting EHSS corporate and site goals

• Serves as a trainer for junior hires.

Oversight of Internal Operations – Quality Engineering

• Provide Quality oversight and review of calibrations, PMs, eCRs, work orders and laboratory operations via instrument qualifications

• Review and approval of qualification activities, and periodic assessments, trending programs (equipment, facility, utilities, etc.)

• Support EM and UM programs and control programs (Veriteq, pest control)

• Provide support for facilities and engineering projects, including capital projects, annual plant shutdowns, and various improvement projects as assigned

Audit / Inspection Support

• Participate in inspection readiness activities and provide support during regulatory site inspections. Provide post-inspection support to address any regulatory observations.

Deployment of QMS and Establishment of Compliance Expectations

• Participate in process improvement initiatives (as necessary), performing gap analysis and risk communication.

• Act as a trusted advisor to the site by providing compliance guidance through collaborative review and working with the business owners to gain a better understanding of their needs and facilitate the resolution of quality issues in a timely manner.

Individual Development and Training

• Responsible for timely completion of trainings (100% on-time), goal development, self-evaluation and IDP

Minimum Qualifications:

• M.S in life sciences (or equivalent degree) and 2-4 of relevant work experience, or

• B.S in life sciences (or equivalent degree) and 3-6 years of relevant work experience

• Experience providing QA support and oversight of GMP manufacturing operation

• Experience with drug product (oral solid dosage forms preferred) development and manufacturing with proficient knowledge of the following in a pharmaceutical setting:

  • cGMP’s and associated CMC regulatory considerations

  • experience with continuous manufacturing a plus

• Experience with equipment, facilities and utility system qualifications activities in a cGMP setting

• Experience successfully leading change control, event investigations, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and CAPA

• Experience with network-based applications such as Oracle and Trackwise preferred.

• Ability to thrive in a high throughput environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Affinity with digital innovation, data sciences, and Quality engineering

• Experience with raw material receipt, inspection & sampling

• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills

• Great attention to detail and high degree of accuracy in task execution and GMP documentation

• Ability to complete tasks autonomously, providing updates to senior management, and identifying potential issues

• Strong organizational skills, including ability to follow assignments through to completion

• Knowledge of ASTM E2500, CSV/GAMP, and other associated standards

In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

#LI-AR1 #LI-Onsite

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com