Associate Director, Computer Systems Assurance (Quality)

About the role

The Senior Manager / Associate Director, Computer Systems Assurance (CSA) is an important technical and operational leader within the Nurix Quality Systems organization, responsible for owning and advancing Nurix's computer systems assurance program. This role serves as the primary subject matter expert and program owner for all CSA and computerized system validation (CSV) activities at Nurix.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain Nurix's Computer Systems Assurance policy framework, SOPs, and risk-based validation strategy, aligned with FDA CSA guidance (2022), GAMP 5 (2nd edition), 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and applicable ICH guidelines.
• Define and implement a fit-for-purpose, risk-tiered approach to system qualification for SaaS and cloud-hosted GxP applications, recognizing the vendor-managed nature of modern software platforms.
• Maintain the GxP system inventory; conduct and document periodic system risk assessments to classify systems and determine appropriate validation scope and rigor.
• Establish and maintain processes for vendor assessment, including review of vendor SOC 2 reports, quality agreements, and audit strategies appropriate for SaaS providers.
• Drive continuous improvement of the CSA program through benchmarking, regulatory intelligence, and adoption of industry best practices.
• Lead and execute validation activities for GxP SaaS platforms including, but not limited to, eQMS (e.g., Veeva Vault), electronic document management, clinical data management, regulatory information management, and laboratory information systems.
• Author and review validation documentation including Validation Master Plans (VMPs), User Requirements Specifications (URS), Risk Assessments, Vendor Assessments, Validation Protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ), Traceability Matrices, and Validation Summary Reports.
• Manage validation activities associated with system implementations, major configuration changes, upgrades, and periodic re-validation reviews, applying critical thinking to scope validation effort proportionate to system risk and change impact.
• Coverage of additional responsibilities as outlined in the job description.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field.
• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in computer systems validation and/or computer systems assurance in a GxP-regulated pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or biotechnology environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in current regulatory requirements for computerized systems, including FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, FDA CSA guidance (2022), and GAMP 5 (2nd edition).
• Hands-on experience validating SaaS and cloud-hosted GxP platforms; understanding of vendor-managed environments and shared responsibility models.
• Proficiency authoring and reviewing CSA/CSV deliverables: VMPs, URSs, Risk Assessments, IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, traceability matrices, and validation summary reports.
• Strong working knowledge of data integrity principles (ALCOA+) and their application to electronic records management and GxP system design.
• Experience managing system change control and periodic review programs for validated GxP systems.
• Ability to operate as both program owner and individual contributor in a lean, virtual organizational model; comfortable managing validation activities without a large internal support team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to translate complex technical and regulatory requirements into practical guidance for diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent programs and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with eQMS validation (e.g., Veeva Vault) and familiarity with Veeva's Qualified System approach and available supplier documentation.
• Familiarity with clinical development platforms such as electronic data capture (EDC), regulatory information management (RIM), or clinical trial management systems (CTMS) in a validated context.
• Experience supporting FDA, EMA, or equivalent Health Authority inspections as a CSA subject matter expert.
• Exposure to laboratory informatics systems (LIMS, ELN) and their GxP qualification requirements.
• Experience in a virtual or lean biotech environment managing validation activities through external vendors and consultants.
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and their intersection with GxP system compliance (e.g., NIST, SOC 2).
• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific, engineering, or regulatory discipline.