CMC - QA-RA

Mariana Oncology, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

Mariana Oncology, Inc. is seeking an experienced Associate Director, Quality Assurance to join our Quality Assurance organization in a hybrid role at the Watertown manufacturing facility.

The Senior QA Specialist role ensures radiopharmaceutical products are manufactured, tested, and released in full cGMP compliance and under radiation safety regulations. You will oversee daily operations, support batch review and release, manage deviations and CAPAs, and partner with manufacturing, QC, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant science or engineering field with 10+ years QA experience.
• Experience with radiopharmaceuticals and oncology is a plus.
• Knowledge of EU GMP Vol 4 Part I, IV and EU Annexes, 21 CFR 210–212, 21 CFR 11, ICH, and USP requirements.
• Experience in aseptic operations, isotopes/radioligands, or PET/SPECT environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead QA RLT Operations team and train staff.
• Provide QA oversight for radioligand manufacturing and aseptic processing.
• Review batch records, specs, and release decisions.
• Manage deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and investigations.
• Support audits and regulatory inspections.

Skills

GMP compliance

QA oversight

Data integrity

Cross-functional teamwork

Radiopharma experience

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in science/engineering

Tools

QMS software

Regulatory knowledge (FDA/EMA)

Job description

Reporting: Associate Director, Quality Assurance

We are seeking an experienced Senior Quality Assurance Specialist, to join Mariana’s Quality Assurance organization, advancing personalized medicine and radiopharmaceuticals. The Senior QA Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring that radiopharmaceutical products are manufactured, tested, and released in full compliance with cGMP, radiation safety regulations, and applicable global quality standards. This position provides QA oversight to daily operations, supports batch review and release, manages deviations and CAPAs, and partners closely with manufacturing, QC, manufacturing sciences & technology, and radiological safety teams to maintain a robust, inspection-ready quality culture.

Illustrative Breadth of Responsibilities

• Leadership and Training
  • Lead the QA RLT Operations team.
  • Coach and develop QA RLT Operations team members, fostering a culture of quality, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in radiopharmaceutical GMP requirements, aseptic operations, and radiation-handling quality considerations.
  • Train manufacturing and QC personnel on quality systems, deviations, and compliance standards.
  • Support GMP training program by creating and delivering Operations QA training modules.
• GMP Operations Oversight
  • Lead QA support for radioligand manufacturing, including aseptic processing, sterile filtration, radiolabeling, and final product packaging.
  • Perform line clearances, room/equipment release, and real-time production record review.
  • Provide quality oversight for product lifecycle activities, technology transfer, process qualification and validation activities, process changes, and new product introductions.
  • Review technology transfer, process validation, manufacturing process risk analysis, product stability, and other types of technical reports to support IND and global regulatory submissions.
  • Serve as a key quality representative in cross functional governance forums and escalation processes.
  • Ensure adherence to GMP, ALCOA+ data integrity principles, and radiation safety requirements.
• Batch Record Review & Product Release
  • Draft and approve master production records.
  • Review executed batch records, analytical data, specifications, protocols, reports, logbooks, and supporting documentation for radiopharmaceutical intermediates, drug products, and finished products.
  • Disposition raw materials, components, and finished radioligand batches.
• Quality Systems Management
  • Review, approve, and drive timely resolution of quality events, including investigations related to deviations, OOS/OOT results, and complaints.
  • Review and Approve CAPAs, change controls, and risk assessments.
  • Maintain GMP documentation and controlled forms. Draft QA Operations SOPs. Review and approve quality assurance, manufacturing, and quality control procedures.
• Inspection and Audit Readiness
  • Prepare for and support internal audits, regulatory inspections (e.g., FDA, EMA, ICH), and corporate quality assessments.
  • Ensure manufacturing areas remain in a state of compliance and inspection readiness.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Identify and drive improvements in processes, documentation, and compliance across radioligand operations.
  • Support implementation of new equipment, facility upgrades, and process changes.
  • Identify systemic issues and lead initiatives to improve right first-time performance, compliance, and operational efficiency.
  • Promote a strong quality and safety culture with emphasis on radiological safety and GMP rigor.

Requirements/Skills

• Position is a hybrid role with 4 days a week attendance required in the Watertown manufacturing facility to perform onsite QA activities related to cGMP manufacturing and quality control testing.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant scientific or engineering discipline with at least ten years of experience working within Quality Assurance in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Experience working with radiopharmaceuticals and/or oncology will be considered as a plus.
• Experience with working in and implementing a global QMS adhering to EU GMP Vol 4 Part I, IV, and applicable EU GMP Annexes (including but not limited to Annex 1 and Annex 3), 21 CFR 210-212, 21CFR Part 11, ICH, and USP requirements.
• Experience supporting aseptic operations, isotopes/radioligands, or PET/SPECT radiopharmaceutical environments preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross functional teams including manufacturing, quality control, supply chain, technical development, and facilities personnel.
• Commitment to maintain data integrity through strict adherence to standardized procedures and relevant compliance requirements.

Mariana Oncology’s Principles

• Building a Legacy
• Execution Excellence
• Courage of our Convictions

Mariana Oncology Compensation Summary

The salary for this position is expected to range between $85,400 and $158,600 per year. Your compensation will also include a performance-based cash incentive.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and will be reviewed periodically upon joining Mariana Oncology. Mariana may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.