Associate Director, Quality Assurance

Job Description The incumbent will be part of the Microbiological Quality & Sterility Assurance organization, a Quality Assurance group that has global responsibility for microbial control and sterility assurance related topics. In the Associate Director role, the incumbent will provide subject matter expertise for microbiology and/or virology related topics in biologic, vaccine sterile, non‑sterile manufacturing and/or testing laboratories for assigned topics. Supports the development, deployment and maintenance of multiple divisional quality standards and divisional policies to ensure our company is compliant to cGMPs for these topics. Supports divisional projects across internal and external sites. Supports development of strategy to drive compliance and continuous improvement in the network. Delivers support for regulatory inspections and responses. The incumbent must be experienced in one or more subject areas including low bioburden operations, sterile/aseptic manufacturing and facility design, microbiological and/or adventitious agent contamination control, sterile/aseptic manufacturing and facility design, environmental monitoring, cleaning and disinfection and critical utilities. This role will require collaboration and global coordination of work across Quality and above site groups. Responsibilities contain Quality, regulatory, and business elements. The Incumbent Will Be Responsible For Developing, authoring, and maintaining the divisional quality standards in alignment with regulatory requirements, cGMP expectations, and industry trends Assisting manufacturing sites and project teams with project strategy, regulatory interactions, development of responses to inspection observations, QMS compliance, significant microbiological investigations, and guidance regarding corrective actions Championing company initiatives and projects to improve compliance and consistency in practices across the company in the designated area of expertise Participating in external industry and regulatory forums to stay abreast of industry trends Establishing/maintaining industry‑leading expertise in the designated subject area(s) Education Minimum Requirement B.S., M.S. or Ph.D (equivalent degrees acceptable) preferably in Science or Engineering such as Microbiology, Biology, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmacy, or related science discipline. Required Experience and Skills Minimum 8 years in pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, vaccine or medical device industry. Technical problem‑solving abilities Strong communications, planning and collaboration/negotiation skills Technical writing proficiency Knowledge of international GMPs and Quality Management requirements of various regulatory agencies (e.g. US FDA, EMEA, TGA, PMDA, etc.) as well as USP compendia, EU compendia and ISO industry standards Ability and willingness to travel to the manufacturing sites in USA, Europe, Latin America and /or Asia for up to 20% of the time Preferred Experience And Skills Advanced subject expertise in one or more of the following areas: low bioburden operations, microbiological contamination control, virology, adventitious agent contamination control, sterile/aseptic manufacturing and facility design, environmental monitoring, cleaning and disinfection, critical utilities, microbiology methods Highly experienced in regulatory inspections and response preparation. Strong leadership capabilities and ability to work cross‑functionally to develop solutions and champion a position. Demonstrated ability to effectively work hands‑on with shop floor personnel. Ability to upskill individuals on topics such as microbiological methods, requirements/regulations, microbiological contamination control Quality Risk Management knowledge and experience. Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. EEO Statement As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights; EEOC GINA Supplement. We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together talented, committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. Hybrid Work Model Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid model consisting of three total days on‑site per week, Monday – Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote‑working day, unless business‑critical tasks require an on‑site presence. This model does not apply to field‑based, facility‑based, manufacturing‑based, or research‑based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site. Salary Range $142,400.00 – $224,100.00 Benefits & Compensation We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr