Sr. Spclst, Quality Assurance (Upstream)

MSD; Dunboyne; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD in Dunboyne, Meath, Ireland seeks an experienced Quality Assurance Senior Specialist (Upstream) to provide QA oversight of upstream drug substance manufacturing and cell banking. You will lead investigations, CAPAs, and change controls, ensuring cGMP compliance and regulatory readiness across multiple product streams.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor QA Operations Upstream, and stay aligned with evolving regulatory expectations to maintain the highest quality

Qualifications

• 7–10 years' experience in QA/Quality Control in biotech/pharma.
• Direct oversight of upstream processing and cell banking.
• Knowledge of Master Cell Bank/Working Cell Bank management and regulatory expectations.
• Experience with QRM, investigations, deviations, problem solving as a Quality SME.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to work under pressure.
• Experience with interactions with regulatory agencies during site inspections.

Responsibilities

• Provide QA leadership with cross-functional teams to address compliance issues.
• Investigate deviations/complaints and ensure timely actions.
• Review/approve Change Controls, Deviations/CAPAs, SOPs for cGMP compliance.
• Complete QA operations for Upstream and cell banking duties and releases.
• Assess regulatory guidance and implement quality system updates.
• Support risk management activities aligned with guidance.
• Support QA oversight for qualification/validation, tech transfers, regulatory approvals.
• Mentor QA Operations Upstream team to drive a safe, compliant culture.
• Escalate compliance risks to management in a timely manner.

Skills

Audit readiness

cGMP regs

CAPA

Deviation mgmt

Manufacturing QC

Pharma QA

Product disposition

QA processes

Quality mgmt standards

Regulatory compliance

Compliance activities

Education

Biochemistry/Biotech/Microbiology degree

Job description

Job Description

We have a wonderful opportunity for a Quality Assurance Senior Specialist (Upstream) our state-of-the‑art, single-use, multi-product biotech facility in Dunboyne, County Meath, Ireland. The Senior QA Specialist role (Upstream) will be part of the Quality Assurance Operations Self-Directed Work Team in a state-of-the‑art single-use multi-product biotech facility in Dunboyne. The Senior QA Specialist role will provide direct QA oversight of Upstream Drug Substance manufacturing processes and cell banking activities, including Manufacturing of Master Cell Bank (MCB) and Working Cell Bank (WCB) and lifecycle management. The Senior Specialist will be responsible for maintaining cGMPs for assigned areas in conformance with policies and in compliance with cGMPs and Health Agency regulations and all other applicable governing regulations.

Our facility in Dunboyne is a premier, state-of-the‑art facility that enables and advances our best work. By integrating leading‑edge technology with a dynamic, activity‑based workspace, the facility supports seamless connection and collaboration within and across teams and functions. Our Dunboyne facility provides Biologics Drug Substance manufacturing for Clinical Supply, Registration, and Commercial Launch. 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.

Key Accountabilities

• QA Leadership and participation daily with cross-functional teams to collaboratively and actively address compliance issues.
• Participate in investigations related to deviations/complaints, ensuring appropriate actions are implemented timely.
• Provide QA review and approval of Change Controls, Deviations/CAPAs, SOPs and related documentation to ensure compliance with cGMP and facility requirements.
• Complete QA operational Upstream and Cell banking duties and related release activities to ensure on time disposition.
• Evaluate new and prospective regulatory guidance and industry best practice and determine impact on Quality systems, identifying and implementing appropriate updates where required.
• Participate in and support risk management activities in line with relevant guidance and best industry practice.
• Provide support for QA oversight to the qualification/validation, technical transfers, regulatory approvals and commercial and clinical operations.
• Work collaboratively to foster strong relationships with management and mentor QA Operations Upstream team to drive a safe and compliant driven Quality & Safety culture.
• Ensures the escalation of compliance risks to management in a timely manner.

Educational & Experience Requirements

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or related discipline.
• 7-10 years' experience, ideally in Quality Assurance, Quality Control or Technical Operations within the Biological and/or pharmaceutical industry with direct oversight of Upstream processing and/or cell banking.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of Master Cell Bank / Working Cell Bank management and Regulatory expectations, Aseptic processing and contamination control and GMP-compliant biologics manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience in QRM, Investigations, Deviations, Problem solving as a Quality SME.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an 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.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of industrial regulations related to Biologics and/or Pharmaceuticals.
• Experience in direct interactions with regulatory agencies during site inspections.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

Required Skills

• Audit Readiness
• cGMP Regulations
• Compliance Activities
• Corrective Action Management
• Deviation Management
• Manufacturing Quality Control
• Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance
• Product Disposition
• Quality Assurance Processes
• Quality Management Standardsi>
• Regulatory Compliance

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s): Job Posting End Date: 11/6/2026 *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.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.