Director Product Quality Leader
Santa Monica, CA - USA
Job Summary
The Cell Therapy Product Quality Leader (PQL)is a matrixed leaderresponsible forthe end-to-end product quality strategy and lifecycle management of autologous allogeneic and in-vivo cell therapy products. This role will provide technical and compliance oversight for advanced therapeutic modalities including but not limited to drug substance drug product viral delivery systems (e.g.LVV AAV) and gene-edited cell therapy products from clinical stage through commercialization. This role requires deep technical and complianceexpertise strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration to ensure product quality regulatory compliance and lifecycle continuity are met andmaintained.
This role will support multiple clinical manufacturing facilitiesat AstraZenecasSanta Monica CA and Tarzana CA locations
Main Responsibilities:
Serve as the Qualityrepresentativeon the CMCTeamandlead the Product Quality Team (PQT)sub-team
Serve as the single voice of Quality in liaising with the CMC ProgramLeadto communicate Quality deliverables risks changes etc.
Develop and implement the overallProduct Quality Strategyand phase-appropriate control strategies
Ownandmaintainlot release and stability specifications for advanced cell therapy modalities
Manage the full specification lifecycle-fromclinicalstage through commercial approval and post-approval maintenance
Supportthe design and execution of analytical comparability studies supporting process and product changes for advanced cell therapy modalities; ensure scientifically sound strategies and data-driven conclusions
Support the design and execution of process tech transfer and analytical method transferprotocols/reports for advanced cell therapy modalities
Oversee the stability programfor advanced cell therapy modalities in collaboration with Global Stability
Oversee annual product reviews for commercial products
Maintain theProduct Quality Risk Registertoidentify mitigate and escalate issues related to manufacturing analytical methods or supply chain
Work cross-functionallyto develop and implement platform approaches for specifications comparability and stability to enable consistent scalable practices across multiple cell therapy products
Author and review CMC sections for global filings includingINDs BLAs and MAAs; manage responses to health authority queries
Stay current on emergingprocess &analytical technologies and evolving regulatory expectations
Partner closely with Process DevelopmentAnalytical Sciences Supply ChainQuality Regulatory Affairs Program Management and other impacted stakeholders to ensure alignment with development milestones and commercial objectives
Acts as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) during health authority inspections (e.g. FDA EMA) for productquality-specificinquiries
Review and evaluate major process changesto ensure noimpacttoproduct safety and efficacy
Education Qualifications & Experience:
Bachelors or Advanced degree (MS/PhD preferred) in Life Sciences or Engineering (e.g. Biology Biochemistry Chemical Engineering)
10 years in the biotechnology or biopharmaceuticalindustry with at least 3-5 years in aCell & Gene Therapy (CGT)orBiologics leadership role
Deep understanding of globalcGMP regulations(FDA EMA ICH)includingphase-appropriate requirements for clinical vs. commercial products
Demonstratedrecord of authoring CTD sections for IND BLA/MAA and/orpost-approval submissions
Expertisein analytical method validation process development tech transfer and viral vectors (e.g.LVV)
Expertisein designing and executing product& processcontrol and comparability strategies
Demonstratedability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts to cross-functional senior managementand regulatory audiences
Demonstrated success in a fast-paced matrixed environment with a collaborative problem-solving mindset including anability to influence diverse stakeholders and drive decision-making without direct authority
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $167595.20 - 251392.80. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentivesan opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs paid time off (i.e. vacation holiday and leaves) as well as health dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Date Posted
27-Apr-2026Closing Date
14-May-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and furtherance of that mission we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation please complete the corresponding section in the application form.
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, ... View more