Senior Validation Specialist
Katalyst CRO · Richmond, VA · 3 wk ago
On-siteQuality AssuranceContract
About the role
A Senior Validation Specialist will lead qualification and validation activities in a GMP-regulated environment, ensuring compliance with FDA, EMA, and cGMP regulations.
Responsibilities
- Lead validation lifecycle activities including Design Qualification (DQ), Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ).
- Author, review, and approve validation protocols, reports, risk assessments, and validation plans.
- Execute equipment, process, cleaning, utility, facility, and computer system validation activities.
- Support commissioning and qualification (C&Q) activities for new equipment and manufacturing systems.
- Manage deviations, investigations, CAPAs, and change controls related to validation activities.
- Develop and maintain Validation Master Plans (VMPs).
- Ensure compliance with cGMP, GxP, FDA, EU GMP, and data integrity requirements.
- Support regulatory inspections and internal/external audits.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Automation, and Regulatory teams.
- Mentor junior validation engineers and specialists.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Chemistry, or a related field.
- 5+ years of validation experience in a GMP-regulated environment.
- Strong knowledge of:
- IQ/OQ/PQ
- Process Validation
- Equipment Qualification
- Cleaning Validation
- Computer System Validation (CSV)
- Risk Assessments
- Change Control and CAPA
- Experience with FDA, EMA, 21 CFR Part 11, and GAMP 5 guidelines.
- Excellent technical writing and documentation skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with MES, LIMS, SCADA, PLC, ERP, or other GMP computerized systems.
- Knowledge of Kneat, ValGenesis, TrackWise, MasterControl, or similar validation tools.
- Experience supporting audits and regulatory inspections.
- Validation certification or advanced degree preferred.