Quality Assurance Validation QAV / DDQ Specialist

Merck; Ireland; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Ireland is seeking a Quality Assurance Validation Specialist to ensure compliance with cGMP regulations. The role involves providing quality oversight for digital data quality and validation activities. Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in a regulated environment and possess strong problem-solving skills. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement and the opportunity to contribute to improving healthcare solutions.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

Continuous professional development

Qualifications

• 5 years' experience in Quality Assurance/Validation in pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience in commissioning and qualification of computerized systems.
• Knowledge of cGMP and FDA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead compliance investigations and risk assessments.
• Provide QA review and approval for documentation.
• Participate in project phases from design to validation.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Project Management

Communication

Education

Qualification in engineering or science discipline

Tools

Veeva Vault

SAP

Trackwise

KNEAT

Job description

Overview

An amazing opportunity has arisen for a Quality Assurance Validation (QAV) / Digital Data Quality (DDQ) Specialist to join our R&D facility in Dunboyne. The Specialist will have quality oversight of Digital Data Quality and Validation activities at our company in Dunboyne. The role is a key member of the quality Assurance team ensuring the site has a strong operational compliance focus aligned with the principles and expectations of cGMP regulations. The role will be responsible for maintaining cGMP's for assigned areas in conformance with policies and procedures in compliance with cGMP's, Health Agency regulations and all other applicable governing regulations. The Quality Assurance Validation Specialist will fulfill the educational requirements for this role and have the necessary experience within an FDA/EMEA regulated environment.

What you will do:

Bring energy, knowledge, innovation to carry out the following:

• Lead, facilitate and/or participate daily on cross-functional teams to collaboratively actively to address compliance issues and achieve project milestones.
• Participate in investigations and risk assessments related to deviations/ complaints and changes, ensuring appropriate actions are implemented timely.
• Participate in project teams through all phases of projects - conceptual and detailed design, equipment procurement, construction, installation, start up, commissioning and qualification, and system release.
• Provide QA review and approval of Change Controls, Deviations/CAPAs, SOPS and related documentation for compliance to GMP and site requirements at the facility.
• Provide QA oversight to the qualification/validation, technical transfers, regulatory approvals and commercial/clinical operations at the facility.
• Review and Approval of validation lifecycle documents and reports.
• Quality oversight of validation activities for life cycle approach in accordance with good automation practices, DQ, IQ, OQ and PQ following validation plans and complying with cGMP and company procedures.
• Evaluate new and prospective regulatory guidance and industry best practice and determine impact on Quality systems, identifying and implementing appropriate updates where required.
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of QA policies, SOP’s and reports in line with site requirements.
• Support an environment of continuous improvement by identifying and implementing efficiencies and quality improvements.
• Participate in and support risk management activities in line with relevant guidance and best industry practice.
• Assist in the execution of the internal audit programme including the performance of audits are required.
• Work collaboratively to foster strong relationships with management and colleagues and to drive a safe and compliant culture.
• Own the process and ensures the escalation of compliance risks to management in a timely manner.
• Will be flexible to take on additional tasks and responsibilities at the discretion of the Associate Director of QA Validation.

In order to excel in this role:

What skills you will need

• Qualification in an engineering or science discipline would be advantageous (Science/Quality/Technical).
• Min 5 years’ experience, ideally in Quality Assurance / Validation within the Biological and/or pharmaceutical industry as part of a computer systems validation, validation, engineering or IT/OT function.
• Experienced in the execution of commissioning and qualification/validation of computerized systems and process equipment (e.g. bioreactors and process vessels, chromatography, ultrafiltration, autoclaves, parts washers and TCU’s).
• Knowledge of GAMP requirements to the qualification and validation of computerised systems a distinct advantage.
• Experience supporting complex investigations and problem-solving techniques.
• Project Manager capability with significant understanding of Power BI.
• Demonstrated experience in QRM, Investigations, Problem solving as a Quality SME.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to think logically and be proactive under pressure.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative in a constructive manner.
• Strong attention to detail and precision in preparing and reviewing GMP documentation.
• Experience in quality management systems such as Veeva Vault, SAP, Trackwise, KNEAT, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of industrial regulations including those of FDA, HPRA, EMEA and other authorities related to Biologics and/or Pharmaceuticals.
• Experience in direct interactions with regulatory agencies during site inspections.

We keep the patient at the very heart of all that we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world’s most challenging healthcare needs. We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment.

So, if you are ready to:

Invent solutions to meet unmet healthcare needs, Impact the future by driving one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, and inspire your team to reach their full potential and push the boundaries of science and technology, please apply today.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills: Aseptic Manufacturing, Audits Compliance, Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA), Detail-Oriented, Documentation Review, Driving Continuous Improvement, GMP Compliance, IS Audit, Management Process, Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Assurance Tools, Quality Auditing, Quality Management Systems (QMS), Quality Standards, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Supplier Quality Management, Troubleshooting

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date: 10/4/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day before the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day before the job posting end date.