Director, Quality Assurance

Agenus; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 218,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage – US

Flexible Spending Accounts – US

Flexible Vacation Plan

Education Assistance Program – US

401(k) Match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Recognition Program

Job summary

Agenus, a leader in immuno-oncology, is seeking a Director of Quality Assurance to oversee GMP QA operations for internal and external manufacturing and to support regulatory compliance for clinical programs.

The role requires onsite work in Lexington, MA and involves leading QA systems, inspection readiness, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure high-quality biologics products from development through commercialization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in scientific discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive QA experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Biologics/cell therapy/ATMPs experience preferred.
• Strong GMP regulatory knowledge (FDA/EMA/ICH) and global GMP/GCP/GLP familiarity.
• Experience with eQMS including document control, change control, CAPA, deviations, training, and metrics.
• Experience overseeing CMOs, supplier qualification, audits, and Quality Agreements.
• Experience leading FDA/international regulatory inspections and inspection readiness.
• Experience with equipment qualification, process validation, analytical method validation, and tech transfer.
• Experience across product lifecycle QA activities from development to commercialization.
• Strong communication and cross-functional leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve the eQMS platform and document control/archive for QA.
• Support master batch record, SOP development, deviations, batch records, and disposition.
• Lead GMP, GCP, and GLP quality system development for clinical and commercial programs.
• Oversee inspections by FDA, EMA, and other regulators; ensure readiness and timely responses.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Clinical Ops, Regulatory Affairs, and R&D to embed quality.
• Direct QA oversight of CMOs and external vendors including supplier qualification and Quality Agreements.
• Drive CAPA, deviations, risk management, change control, and quality metrics.
• Support validation activities (equipment/Process/analytical methods) and tech transfer.
• Contribute to IND, BLA submissions as needed.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing QA team; foster accountability.
• Monitor evolving regulatory requirements and translate into strategy.

Skills

GMP compliance

Regulatory inspections

Quality management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

eQMS / document control

CAPA & deviation management

Risk management

Vendor/CMO oversight

Validation & tech transfer

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

ZenQMS

eQMS platforms

Job description

We are a dedicated group of scientists, physicians, and businesspeople working together toward one goal: to discover and develop therapies that can unleash the power of the body’s immune system to treat and potentially cure cancer. We are passionate about the work we do every day at Agenus to deliver on the promise of immuno-oncology. If you’re looking for an inspired environment, passionate colleagues, and a culture that nurtures learning, innovation and team success, we invite you to join us.

The Role

The Director of Quality Assurance will oversee GMP QA operations for both internal manufacturing, external manufacturing at CDMOs in addition to supporting clinical compliance to GCPs and Inspection Readiness in collaboration with Agenus Clinical Development leadership.

This role is required to be onsite in Lexington, MA

In The Role You Will

• Maintain and continually improve the Agenus electronic Quality Management System (eQMS) platform and systems and enable compliant electronic and paper-based document control and archiving for the Agenus Enterprise Quality Management System (QMS).
• Support the master batch record and SOP development, review deviations and executed batch records, and disposition onsite and CMO manufactured drug product. Review and approve executed batch records, support product disposition decisions, and ensure timely batch release in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of our GMP, GCP, and GLP quality systems to support clinical and commercial programs.
• Oversee FDA, EMA, and other global regulatory inspections, ensuring readiness and successful outcomes. Lead inspection readiness activities, host regulatory inspections, and ensure timely resolution of inspection observations and commitments.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, and R&D to ensure quality is integrated into every stage of product development.
• Direct vendor and contract manufacturing organization (CMO) quality oversight, including audits, quality agreements, and performance monitoring. Oversee supplier qualification activities, negotiate and maintain Quality Agreements, and ensure ongoing compliance with external manufacturing and testing partners.
• Drive risk management initiatives, CAPA programs, and deviation investigations to ensure timely resolution and prevention of recurrence. Oversee execution of Quality Systems including Change Control, Deviations, CAPA, Risk Assessments, Complaint Investigations, and Product Disposition activities.
• Support validation activities including equipment qualification, process validation, analytical method validation, technology transfer, and associated quality oversight.
• Support Quality contributions to IND, BLA, and other global regulatory submissions as needed.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team, fostering professional growth and a culture of accountability.
• Stay ahead of evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices, translating them into actionable strategies for the company.

Qualifications: About You

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive Quality Assurance experience within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, including leadership responsibilities.
• Experience supporting biologics, cell therapy, and/or advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of GMP regulations with demonstrated knowledge of FDA, EMA, ICH, and applicable global GMP, GCP, and GLP regulations.
• Strong working knowledge of GMP manufacturing operations supporting biologics and/or cell therapy products.
• Experience with electronic Quality Management Systems (eQMS) including document control, change control, training, CAPA, deviation management, and quality metrics. Experience with ZenQMS or similar eQMS platforms preferred.
• Experience managing quality oversight of Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs), contract testing laboratories, and external vendors, including supplier qualification, audits, and Quality Agreements.
• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting FDA and international regulatory inspections and maintaining inspection readiness.
• Experience supporting equipment qualification, process validation, analytical method validation, and technology transfer activities preferred.
• Experience supporting quality activities across the product lifecycle, from early development through commercialization.
• Demonstrated experience with CAPA, deviation investigations, change control, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams, build collaborative partnerships across Manufacturing, Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Technical Operations, and R&D, and drive quality initiatives in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and thrive in a dynamic, evolving biotechnology environment.

The targeted salary range for this position is $170,000 - $218,000 per year. Agenus is making a good faith effort to be transparent and accurate around our hiring ranges. The salary offered is commensurate with Agenus’s compensation philosophy and considers factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, external market conditions, critical needs of the role, and internal equity.

Learn More About Agenus

Explore our innovative pipeline and connect with us on LinkedIn.

Why You’ll Love Working at Agenus

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage – Competitive options for both US & UK employees
• Flexible Spending Accounts – For healthcare and dependent care expenses (US)
• Flexible Vacation Plan – We believe time away leads to better thinking and innovation.
• Care.com Memberships – Support for family care (US)
• Education Assistance Program – Invest in your learning and development (US)
• 401(k) Match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Resources for mental health, well-being, and life support
• Reward & Recognition Program – Celebrate contributions that move the mission forward

What We Believe

• Patients First. We’re here to make a difference—for every cancer patient.
• Bold & United. Big goals require strong teams.
• Integrity Always. Respect and honesty guide everything we do.
• Own It. We take responsibility—for results and how we achieve them.
• Always Learning. Curiosity drives innovation.
• Bring Your Best. Every day matters.