Senior Quality Control Analyst

Neurona Therapeutics; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Neurona Therapeutics is seeking a QC Analyst III / Senior QC Analyst to support analytical testing operations in its South San Francisco facility. The role focuses on release, stability, and characterization assays with emphasis on multiparameter flow cytometry, ddPCR, UPLC, and cell-based potency/viability testing, while mentoring junior staff and ensuring cGMP compliance.

You will coordinate testing activities, act as a technical SME, and partner with QA and Assay Development to maintain

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with cGMP biopharmaceuticals, QC environment, and regulatory standards (ICH, USP/EP).
• Proficiency in Flow Cytometry, ddPCR, UPLC, and cell-based assays preferred.
• Experience authoring deviations, investigations, and SOPs.
• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily QC testing operations across analytical groups.
• Serve as technical SME for Flow Cytometry, ddPCR, UPLC, and cell-based assays; troubleshoot and escalate as needed.
• Review and ensure accuracy of analytical data, test records, and GxP documentation.
• Mentor junior analysts and train QC personnel on methods and instruments.
• Collaborate with Assay Development and QA to ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Flow Cytometry

ddPCR

UPLC

Cell-based assays

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Neurona Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco focused on developing neuronal cell-based therapies for intractable neurological diseases. We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented candidate to join our Quality Control team. Our ideal candidate is organized, has strong hands-on laboratory experience, and can thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment.

Role Overview

The QC Analyst III / Senior QC Analyst will report directly to the Senior QC Manager and support analytical testing operations for Neurona’s clinical pipeline. This role coordinates daily testing execution, manages shift priorities, and serves as the primary technical point of escalation on the floor for analytical assays.

Maintaining active bench engagement, the QC Analyst III / Senior QC Analyst will independently execute complex release, stability, and characterization assays—specifically focusing on multiparameter flow cytometry, digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), UPLC, and cell-based potency/viability assays. Additionally, this individual will mentor junior analysts, perform peer data review, author technical quality records, and partner closely with Assay Development and QA to ensure robust analytical performance and strict cGMP compliance.

Operational Coordination

• Serve as a technical contact between Analytical QC, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance during active testing windows.
• Lead timely performance of QC assays in the laboratory to support clinical manufacturing operations.
• Support the QC Management in maintaining laboratory readiness through compliance with 5S practices, including reagent inventory, control materials, and analytical instrument (validation, calibration, PM).
• Train and mentor QC personnel on analytical methods, instrumentation, and laboratory best practices.

Analytical Testing & Data Analysis

• Perform cGMP testing for in-process samples, drug substance, drug product lot release, and stability protocols.
• Serve as a technical SME for Flow Cytometry, UPLC, ddPCR, and cell-based assays, providing troubleshooting and scientific support, or escalation to QC Management as needed.
• Verification of analytical testing reports, analytical data, test records, and associated GxP documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance to regulatory standards.

Quality Systems, Investigations & Method Lifecycle

• Participate in investigations of analytical deviations, laboratory events, and OOS/OOT results, including root cause analysis and CAPA implementation in partnership with QC QA.
• Author and maintain SOPs, analytical methods, analyst qualification documents, protocols, and technical reports.
• Support analytical method transfers, qualifications, validations, and lifecycle management in collaboration with Assay Development and Process Sciences.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a life science discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• 4-6 years of analytical laboratory experience in a cGMP biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, or cell/gene therapy QC environment.
• Strong preference for candidate with demonstrated proficiency in Flow Cytometry, ddPCR, UPLC, and cell-based assays.
• Working knowledge of cGMP regulations, ICH guidelines, and USP/EP standards.
• Experience authoring deviations, investigations, and SOPs.
• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.