Lead QA Specialist - Client QA

Lead Specialist, Client QA

Position Summary:

Work Schedule:

Monday‑Friday, 8am‑5pm. 100% on‑site.

Catalent is a leading global CDMO partnering with pharma and biotech innovators to accelerate development and delivery of life‑changing therapies. Our FDA‑licensed, state‑of‑the‑art CGMP gene therapy campus in Harmans, MD—just minutes from BWI Airport—features EMA and FDA‑approved manufacturing suites, fill/finish capabilities, labs, and warehousing to support Phase 3 through commercial production of advanced therapies, including AAV and other viral vector‑based products.

The Lead Specialist, QA is responsible for providing QA lead support and oversight of Client Projects from start to finish for GMP Manufacturing of master/working cell banks, biological bulk drug substance, and finished drug product. Acting as the dedicated Client QA Representative, you will oversee projects from start to finish—partnering with cross‑functional teams in Manufacturing, Process Development, Technology Transfer, and Quality Control.

Your work includes reviewing and tracking critical GMP documentation such as technology transfer records, specifications, master batch records, and investigations, all supporting the release of life‑changing therapies.

• Provide dedicated QA support for client projects and client interactions, serving as the primary QA contact throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide quality oversight of GMP operations for the manufacture of master/working cell banks, bulk drug substance, and/or final drug product.
• Support clinical and commercial QA activities from process development through non‑clinical and commercial production.
• Track and present key quality metrics for client projects, including batch release timelines and deviation trends.
• Collaborate with clients during initial and subsequent manufacturing campaigns to ensure compliance and quality standards.
• Review and approve master batch records during technology transfer for client processes.
• Support GMP departments in reviewing and approving deviations and failure investigations, including root cause analysis, evaluating product/facility impacts, and evaluating effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Perform risk assessments and mitigation strategies using tools such as FMEA.
• Maintain and update systems and databases for tracking manufacturing and quality activities.
• Support audits and inspections by regulatory agencies and clients and assist with internal GMP audits.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in a Scientific, Engineering, or Biotech field with a minimum of 4 years’ experience in Quality Assurance/Quality Control within biologics, biopharmaceuticals, or a regulated industry, OR Bachelor’s degree in a Scientific, Engineering, or Biotech field with a minimum of 6 years’ experience in Quality Assurance/Quality Control within biologics, biopharmaceuticals, or a regulated industry.
• Strong knowledge base with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), 21 CFR Parts 210, 211, biological regulations per 21 CFR Parts 600s, ICH Guidelines and EU GMPs.
• Knowledgeable and/or exposure to biological manufacturing processes including microbial and cell culture banking, fermentation/cell culture, purification and fill/finish.
• Familiarity with electronic systems, including developing and producing reports using Microsoft products. LIMS, Master Control and Trackwise knowledge preferred.
• Creative individual with strong analytical, troubleshooting, and decision‑making skills to resolve complex issues effectively.
• Ability to quickly learn new and novel manufacturing processes supporting new clients.
• Proven ability to work independently and in cross‑functional teams, delivering high‑quality results in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment while meeting client and regulatory requirements.

The anticipated salary range for this position in Maryland is $118,000 to $145,000 plus an annual bonus, when eligible. The final salary offered to a successful candidate may vary and will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to: the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within…