Investigations Specialist

Job Description:

• The Scientist/Engineer is responsible for leading manufacturing and QC investigation reports in support of S12 CAR T operations.
• This includes execution of thorough root cause investigations, interviewing personnel, hypothesis testing and interpretation of results, authoring investigation reports, identifying corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and troubleshooting complex problems.
• The successful incumbent must interface closely with different functional organizations, including Quality Assurance teams.

Required Competencies: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working experience of deviation investigations utilizing root cause analysis tools.
• Working experience in the CAPA process and ability to identify and verify effectiveness.
• Technical writing skills and ability to collaborate effectively in cross functional teams.
• Proven ability to accurately and completely understand, follow, interpret, apply Global Regulatory and cGMP requirements.
• Ability to support health authority inspections.
• Knowledge of data trending and tracking, including use of statistical analysis software a plus.
• Demonstrate advanced problem-solving ability / mentality, technical adeptness and logical thinking.
• Ability to set priorities, manage timelines and effectively react/manage changing priorities.
• Ability to work with management (global and site) and support corporate and departmental goals.
• Ability to communicate honestly, transparently and effectively with peers, department management and cross functional peers.
• Ability to utilize electronic Quality systems such as eQRMs (Enterprise Quality and Regulatory Management system).
• Hands on experience preferred with CAR-T or biopharmaceutical manufacturing and Quality Control.
• Ability to train new team members on the investigation process.

Education and Experience:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering, preferably in Biochemistry, life sciences or related engineering discipline (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience, preferably in a health authority regulated environment.
• Previous experience working in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility is preferred (CAR T a plus).
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough investigations (OOS, OOT, Environmental Monitoring, deviations, etc.) utilizing root cause analysis tools.
• Lead investigations and cross functional investigation teams, and close reports in a timely manner.
• Perform GEMBA walks with stakeholders to better understand process steps and evaluate Root Cause Analysis.
• Work with functional teams to propose effective CAPAs, develop CAPA plans and assure CAPA effectiveness.
• Assess potential impact and risk to product or process associated changes may have upon change implementation and develop an appropriate mitigation strategy.
• May Initiate change control documentation.
• Identify functional area SMEs to perform impact assessments as part of the change management process.
• Ensure all investigations are completed in a timely manner. Notify stakeholders of any delays in a timely manner.
• Provide technical support for manufacturing investigations / CAPAs / change controls as needed.
• Support deviation investigation defense during audits and site inspections for QC compliance related inquiries.
• Handle complex issues and solve problems with minimal guidance.
• Provide training to new investigations team members.
• Serve as author or technical reviewer of departmental procedures as appropriate.
• Support manufacturing and Quality Control testing of CAR T products as needed.
• Employ lean manufacturing / six sigma principles to continuously improve products, processes and systems.
• Continuously support S12, living the “patients first” mission and fostering a “Right First Time” mindset.