Sr. Principal Quality Scientist

Real Staffing; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Real Staffing is seeking a Senior Principal Quality Scientist in the Twin Cities area (Hybrid) to lead quality strategies across lab, drug product, and medical device development. The role partners with R&D and Quality leadership to ensure global compliance and robust quality management in a regulated environment.

The successful candidate will review and approve critical documentation, drive CAPA and investigations, and support regulatory inspections with a collaborative, continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Quality, or related field.
• 6+ years in medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other regulated industry.
• 5+ years supporting analytical chemistry, microbiology, or regulated labs.
• Strong knowledge of QMS, GLP, GMP, and quality engineering principles.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary Quality SME for lab, drug product, and medical device development activities.
• Partner with R&D and Quality leadership to establish site-level quality procedures and compliance processes.
• Review and approve quality documentation including validation protocols/reports, qualification documents, training plans, change controls, investigations, and CAPA records.
• Support audits by developing plans, participating in execution, and representing Quality during inspections.
• Lead and support quality system processes and cross-site harmonization.

Skills

Quality leadership

QMS/GMP/GLP

Regulatory inspections

Auditing

CAPA

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation reviews

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Job description

Senior Principal Quality Scientist

Twin Cities, MN (Hybrid)

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Senior Principal Quality Scientist to provide quality leadership and oversight for research and development activities supporting regulated healthcare products. This individual will serve as a key Quality Subject Matter Expert (SME), partnering with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with global quality and regulatory requirements while supporting laboratory operations, product validation activities, and quality management systems.

This role offers the opportunity to work alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers developing innovative therapies and technologies in a highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary Quality SME for laboratory, drug product, and medical device development activities.
• Partner with R&D and Quality leadership to establish and maintain site-level quality procedures and compliance processes.
• Review and approve quality documentation, including:
  • Verification and validation protocols and reports
  • Equipment qualification documentation
  • Laboratory studies and procedures
  • Training plans
  • Change controls
  • Investigation reports
  • Nonconformance and corrective action records
• Support internal and external audits by developing audit plans, participating in audit execution, and representing Quality during regulatory inspections.
• Lead and support quality system processes, including CAPA and nonconformance management.
• Collaborate with global sites to harmonize laboratory quality practices, procedures, and training programs.
• Promote a culture of compliance, quality excellence, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Quality, or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of experience in the medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other highly regulated industry.
• 5+ years of experience supporting analytical chemistry, microbiology, or regulated laboratory environments.
• Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and quality engineering principles.
• Working knowledge of GLP and GMP requirements.
• Ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and effectively influence stakeholders.
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with EU GMP (EudraLex Volume 4).
• Experience with ISO 13485 quality management systems.
• Familiarity with USP and related industry standards.
• Formal auditing training or certification.
• ASQ certifications (CQE, CQA, etc.) and/or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with risk management methodologies.
• Understanding of scientific methods, test method development, and validation processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What Success Looks Like

The ideal candidate is a collaborative quality leader who can navigate complex regulatory environments, drive compliance initiatives, and effectively partner with R&D teams to support innovative healthcare products from development through validation and ongoing lifecycle activities.

Why Join Us?

• Make an impact on products that improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
• Collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and quality professionals.
• Contribute to a growing R&D organization focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
• Competitive compensation, annual incentive opportunities, and comprehensive benefits package.

EOE Statement: Specialist Staffing Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

In addition to base pay, direct-hire employees may be eligible for client offered benefits such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, and paid leave where required by applicable law. Eligibility may vary based on factors such as location and hire date and is subject to change.