Associate Director, Analytical Development and Quality Control

Kailera Therapeutics; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Flexible time off

Paid holidays

Year-end shutdown

Monthly wellness stipend

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Commuter benefits

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Annual bonus opportunities

Equity grants

Job summary

Kailera Therapeutics in Waltham, MA is seeking an Associate Director, Analytical Development and Quality Control to advance our peptide drug programs from early development through commercialization. You will provide technical leadership and work with cross-functional teams to ensure CMC readiness and robust analytical strategies.

The role requires a strong track record in peptide analytics, cGMP compliance, and regulatory documentation, with onsite work 3–4 days per week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years in pharma/biotech, or advanced degree with 5+ years.
• Knowledge of peptide chemistry.
• Experience with regulatory documents and IND/NDA/MAA filings.
• Experience overseeing analytical activities at CDMOs/CTLs.
• Strong problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Support analytical development and QC for clinical development through commercialization.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of analytical methods and control strategies.
• Develop analytical methods and transfers in CDMO labs.
• Contribute to CMC strategies and regulatory filings.
• Assist in drafting CMC sections for global filings.
• Participate in cross-functional CMC teams and status reporting.
• Coordinate with line functions to meet CMC and program goals.
• Travel to CDMOs/CTLs for tech transfers and oversight.

Skills

Peptide chemistry

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory documentation

Problem solving

Effective communication

Team player

Analytical development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or closely related field

Advanced degree with 5+ years

Job description

At Kailera, we are bold, authentic and committed to our mission of developing therapies that give people the power to transform their lives and elevate their overall health. Rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit and a team-oriented culture, we are working together to advance Kailera’s mission to advance novel therapies for obesity and related conditions. We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes collaboration, integrity, and excellence. As we expand, we seek the most talented individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to join our team.

What You'll Do

The Associate Director, Analytical Development and Quality Control will support analytical development and QC operations for clinical development and commercialization of Kailera’s pipeline compounds. The individual will provide technical expertise and will work closely with cross‑functional stakeholders to ensure end‑to‑end drug development and manufacturing activities are executed seamlessly and in alignment with the company’s integrated development plans and program timelines.

Required location: Waltham, MA (hub‑based, onsite 3‑4 days per week)

Responsibilities

• Support analytical development and QC activities related to characterization of peptide drug substances and drug products from early‑stage clinical development through commercialization
• Maintain current knowledge in analytical methods and control strategies supporting a variety of molecule platforms and dosage forms
• Support development of analytical methods that support Kailera’s product pipeline, including analytical transfers and troubleshooting in CDMO laboratories
• Provide input for developing and implementing analytical development strategies, including managing execution of functional activities in support of clinical development, regulatory filings (IND/NDA/MAA), product approvals, and commercialization
• Support authoring of relevant CMC sections to enable global regulatory filings
• Participate on cross‑functional CMC teams for the project(s) assigned to ensure adequate development and execution of CMC plan/strategies as needed
• Communicate CMC project status to key stakeholders cross‑functionally and assist in driving decision‑making
• Collaborate with cross‑functional line functions to ensure CMC and program goals are met
• Travel to CDMOs and other service providers as needed for vendor technology transfers and analytical activities oversight

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry with experience in all phases of innovative drug development and commercial launch in accordance with global CMC regulatory filings (IND/NDA/MAA, etc.)
  • Or an advanced degree with 5+ years
• Knowledge of peptide chemistry is required
• Demonstrated project and cross‑functional team participation
• Experience in authoring regulatory documents
• Knowledge of drug development activities with respect to cGMP, quality systems, ICH guidelines, global regulatory requirements, and USP, EP, JP, and CHP requirements
• Experience with oversight of the analytical activities at CDMOs and/or CTLs
• Sound problem‑solving skills with technically driven decision‑making ability
• Effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Innovative team‑player with high energy for our dynamic company environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience in analytical development of peptide therapeutics (DS and DP)
• Knowledge and experience in analytical development of injectable products, and associated control strategies

Education

• A Bachelors degree with 10+ years or an advanced degree with 5+ years of relevant experience
• Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or closely related field.

Additional Information

• This position requires some travel to domestic and international destinations
• This position requires working in environments where there may be specific gowning or dress code requirements

Salary Range

$155,000 – $190,000 USD

Benefits

For Full Time Roles: This range represents the company’s good‑faith estimate of the salary at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, location, and internal equity. We also offer comprehensive health coverage, flexible time off, paid holidays, and a year‑end shutdown. Enjoy a monthly wellness stipend, generous 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, disability and life insurance, plus annual bonus opportunities and equity grants—because your well‑being and future matter to us.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy‑related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, reproductive health decisions, domestic victim status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

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