Job Description
Kyverna Therapeutics is a patient-centered, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing cell therapies for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. Guided by our core values, Stay True to Why, Collaborate to Accelerate, Lead with Clarity, Boldly Innovative, and Own the Outcome, we are committed to transforming the future of treatment for autoimmune disease. Join us at the forefront of cell therapy innovation and help redefine what’s possible.
Title: Sr. Director, Quality Systems
Reports to: VP, Quality
Location: Emeryville, CA (Hybrid onsite twice a week)
Summary
Kyverna is seeking a highly motivated Sr. Director, Quality Systems to join our Quality organization. This role will provide leadership across core quality systems and ensure compliance with global GXP requirements while enabling rapid organizational growth and operational execution in a highly complex, patient-centric environment. The ideal candidate is a strategic and operational quality leader responsible for establishing, scaling, and managing a phase-appropriate Quality Management System (QMS) to support late-stage clinical development, Biologics License Application (BLA) readiness, and commercial launch for Kyverna’s cell therapy program(s).
The Sr. Director, Quality Systems will partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs, Technical Development, Supply Chain, Patient Operations, IT, Clinical Operations, Clinical Development, Data Management, Biostats, and PV/Safety to ensure alignment and effectiveness of Kyverna’s QMS.
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and manage Kyverna’s Quality Management System.
- In close collaboration with Technical Operations and Clinical Functions, define the requirements for a late phase and commercial lifecycle stage-appropriate quality system.
- Drive the maturation and continuous improvement of the QMS to support clinical development through commercialization.
- Represent Quality and provide Quality leadership on cross-functional project and program teams, as required.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, industry best practices, and standards related to Kyverna products. Adapt the QMS per region-specific requirements as required.
- Serve as the Quality business process owner (BPO) and provide oversight for Change Management, Deviation/CAPA Management, Document Lifecycle Management, Records Management, Training Program, Quality Risk Management, Computer Systems Quality Assurance, Quality Management Review, and Quality Governance Boards.
- Lead Quality Management Review and Quality Governance Board (such as Material Review Boards, Specification Review Boards, Change Control Review Boards, etc.) meetings and monitor the state of control of Kyverna’s QMS.
- Set and/or facilitate establishment of key performance indicators and metrics. Perform trend analysis and assess QMS processes for potential gaps to ensure compliance and to monitor the health of the QMS. Ensure proper communication and escalation to peers, senior, and executive management as required.
- Assist in the development and deployment of quality systems in accordance with ICH Q 8,9,10 model, PDA TR 56, and other industry best practices.
- Ensure that quality systems are designed and operate as appropriate to provide support in development and commercialization for GXP areas.
- Evaluate, identify, and drive continuous improvement opportunities to maintain product quality and improve process effectiveness in the overall QMS lifecycle.
- Oversee and manage the electronic Quality Management System (eQMS), including workflow configuration and the continued validation of the system.
- Support inspection readiness activities including assessment and oversight of Kyverna records, storyboard, and inspection logistics.
- Participate in audits and inspections representing Quality Systems
- Support Regulatory Filings as required.
- Manage a budget for implementation of quality tools and training
- Support processes and work with contract service providers providing manufacturing and testing and clinical services.
- Manages and mentors a team of highly performing individuals
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years’ experience in a biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, biologics, or related life sciences area and relevant Quality Systems experience, ATMP experience preferred.
- 4+ years’ personnel management experience
- In-depth knowledge of cGMPs, FDA regulations (21 CFR Parts 210, 211, 11), EudraLex, ICH Guidelines, etc.
- Working knowledge of GXP regulations and guidelines, as it pertains to Quality Systems
- Experience with implementation and qualification of an eQMS
- Ability to work with ambiguity, creative approach to problem solving and ability to define a clear path forward with emphasis on compliance and efficiency
- Ability to work effectively with various technical groups
- Ability to work in a collaborative team environment is essential, with a customer-focused approach
- Strong decision maker with the ability to utilize critical thinking to problem-solve
- Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Expert level experience writing, reviewing and editing SOPs, as well as other document types
The San Francisco Bay Area salary range for this position is $255K to $280K USD annually. This salary range is an estimate of what we reasonably expect to pay for this position, and the actual salary may vary based on factors including experience, education, geographic location, internal equity, and market data. This position is also eligible for annual bonus, equity, benefits, and participation in the Company’s stock plan.
