Associate Director, QC Operations - Cell Therapy

About Us … Obsidian Therapeutics is pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients. Obsidian’s programs apply our cytoDRiVE® technology in Cell and Gene therapy products to control expression of proteins for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety. Obsidian’s lead program is currently in clinical development for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. We’re proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment of inclusion where each person feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to continuously learn and contribute their best work. Our Research team is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA, and Technical Operations team is based in our purpose built facility in Bedford, MA. Obsidianites enjoy a highly collaborative culture, competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options. Our Opportunity... We’re expanding our Quality team and looking for an Associate Director of QC Operations to support manufacturing with a critical CDMO partner for our clinical trials in metastatic melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. In this role, you’ll work closely with a dedicated team to initiate and oversee the manufacturing of our engineered autologous cell therapies. The ideal candidate will have experience directing and overseeing QC of drug product manufacturing completed at a CDMO from clinical to commercial, preferably in cell and/or gene therapy. As a member of our Quality team you'll be a vital part of a highly collaborative team working to achieve the Obsidian’s vision by translating innovative science into medical breakthroughs for patients, starting with our lead program OBX-115, a novel engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. This is a unique opportunity to be a contributor in a well-funded clinical company with blue chip investors, field-leading advisors, best-in-class partners, and an experienced team. You'll help us build a dynamic, innovative, passionate, collaborative, and successful organization focused on delivering transformative therapies in areas of greatest clinical need. This is a Hybrid role located in our Bedford, MA office . You Will... Core responsibilities Provide strategic and operational leadership for Drug Product programs supported through external manufacturing and testing partners. Build systems/processes and organize resources to establish and achieve product release cycle times Provide QC oversight of CDMOs and contract test laboratories (CTLs) Direct and oversee method validation and transfer activities, including tech transfer to an external CDMO, to ensure GMP compliance. Assist with PPQ readiness and BLA preparatory activities Lead QC investigation of quality events including laboratory investigations, OOS/OOT and deviations, and support manufacturing investigations at CDMOs and CTLs Support development of specifications for raw material, drug substance, intermediate and final product testing, and stability testing. Author and review test methods, protocols, reports, and associated documents. Support data trending and quality metrics. Support regulatory submission activities. Collaborate closely with QA, Regulatory, Supply Chain, MSAT, AD, and PD groups and external key partners. Monitor and evaluate external laboratory performance using KPIs, driving improvements in efficiency and right-first-time execution Assist with continuous improvement of quality and compliance. Regularly perform QC Person In Plant activities at Obsidian’s CDMO facilities, and other duties as needed. You Bring... Core Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, life sciences or a related field, and 10+ years of analytical experience in biologics or CGT in an industry setting (or M.S. and 8+ years of experience). At least 6 years of experience in a GMP setting. Expertise with analytical method transfer and phase appropriate validation/qualification .