VP, Quality Assurance

About Formation Bio

Formation Bio is a tech and AI driven pharma company differentiated by radically more efficient drug development. 

Advancements in AI and drug discovery are creating more candidate drugs than the industry can progress because of the high cost and time of clinical trials. Recognizing that this development bottleneck may ultimately limit the number of new medicines that can reach patients, Formation Bio, founded in 2016 as TrialSpark Inc., has built technology platforms, processes, and capabilities to accelerate all aspects of drug development and clinical trials. Formation Bio partners, acquires, or in-licenses drugs from pharma companies, research organizations, and biotechs to develop programs past clinical proof of concept and beyond, ultimately helping to bring new medicines to patients. The company is backed by investors across pharma and tech, including a16z, Sequoia, Sanofi, Thrive Capital, Sam Altman, John Doerr, Spark Capital, SV Angel Growth, and others. 

You can read more at the following links:

• Our Vision for AI in Pharma
• Our Current Drug Portfolio
• Our Technology & Platform

At Formation Bio, our values are the driving force behind our mission to revolutionize the pharma industry. Every team and individual at the company shares these same values, and every team and individual plays a key part in our mission to bring new treatments to patients faster and more efficiently.

About the Position

We are seeking a highly accomplished, strategic Vice President of Quality Assurance. In this pivotal role, you will have the opportunity to establish the strategic development and operational management of Formation Bio's quality assurance program to support the growing drug development capabilities. This position reports to the Chief Development Officer. As the VP of Quality Assurance, you will establish and manage the organization to ensure our organization's compliance with the highest standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Clinical Practices (GCP), Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GPV) and Computer Systems Validation (CSV).

The primary responsibilities for the Vice President of Quality Assurance are to develop and implement a comprehensive quality assurance strategy that ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices to support drug development activities at Formation Bio. As a tech enabled development organization, there is a substantial component of  oversight for the computer systems validation.  The implementation of the QA strategy will involve leadership and guidance to the organization, along with building a team and maintaining up to date knowledge through internal and external partnership.  

Responsibilities

• Oversee GXP, Data Integrity, and CSV activities across various entities, investigator sites, research organizations, clinical and nonclinical studies, PV vendors, and CDMOs.
• Maintain efficient systems and processes that ensure Formation Bio and its vendor network comply with GXP, and Computer validation standards.
• Provide leadership and direction to the quality assurance team, ensuring that all quality activities are carried out efficiently and effectively.
• Ensure the appropriate identification, evaluation, and management of risks associated with product quality.
• Build strong relationships with regulatory agencies and other stakeholders, representing the company's interests and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that quality considerations are incorporated throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Ensure the timely and effective resolution of quality issues and deviations, working collaboratively with internal and external  teams to implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead the quality review process, ensuring the effective review and approval of batch records, release testing, and other quality-related documentation.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and development within the quality assurance team, ensuring that all team members have the support and resources they need to succeed.
• Creating and implementing risk-based quality strategies that identify and address potential quality risks.
• Managing quality-related activities related to manufacturing, clinical trials, and nonclinical studies, including conducting audits of vendors and sites, providing support during health authority inspections, and offering guidance on quality issues.
• Ensuring vendors adhere to relevant quality programs, regulations, and guidelines, and preparing them for regulatory inspections.
• Overseeing the development, implementation, and upkeep of quality systems and procedures, including SOPs, batch records, and quality metrics.standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to GXP CSV and PV activities. Leading quality investigations and approving plans to address quality issues that impact products, as well as supervising corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) for deviations and investigations.
• Staying updated on industry developments, regulations, guidance, and best practices, and providing training and mentoring on global GXP/PV/CSV regulations and guidance.
• Ensuring preparedness for pre-approval and routine regulatory inspections conducted by global Regulatory Health Authorities.

About You

• BS/BA in biology or  related Life Sciences discipline, or equivalent experience . 
• Minimum of 20 years of experience with increasing  responsibilities, including leadership of a Quality function with a focus on biotech or pharmaceutical product development Specific experience with oversight of CSV is preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of global regulatory requirements,  including GMP, GCP, and ICH guidelines.
• Expertise in Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Extensive knowledge of quality risk assessment and management methodologies, with a successful track record in their application and risk mitigation
• Proven experience in establishing and managing a quality organization and GXP and CSV experienced  team members.
• Track record of success in a biotech start-up or fast-paced, innovative, dynamic environment, with the ability to remain flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and to prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment 
• Strong management, interpersonal, and communication skills, with a history of effectively collaborating with senior scientific, medical, and operations staff. Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams
• Willingness and desire to “roll up your sleeves” and perform activities and responsibilities to support the team.

Formation Bio is prioritizing hiring in key hubs, primarily the New York City and Boston metro areas, with additional growth in the Research Triangle (NC) and San Francisco Bay Area. Please only apply if you reside in these locations or are willing to relocate.

Compensation:

The target salary range for this role is: $335,000 - $420,000.

Salary ranges are informed by a number of factors including geographic location. The range provided includes base salary only. In addition to base salary, we offer equity, comprehensive benefits, generous perks, hybrid flexibility, and more. If this range doesn't match your expectations, please still apply because we may have something else for you.

You will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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