Senior Quality Control Associate

Location: Vacaville, CA

This is a fully site‑based role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.

With limited supervision, the Vacaville Quality Control Senior Associate is responsible for the microbiological and analytical testing of in-process controls, direct materials, drug substances, and drug products for release, stability programs, and plant support while in full compliance with current cGMPs regulations and Lonza corporate principles, quality policies, standards, and core values. Execute and maintain environmental monitoring trend reports, SOP revisions, risk assessments, health authority and customer audit inquiries and continuous improvement projects. Maintains company’s right to operate and supply to patients. In conjunction with Quality Control leadership, the Sr. QC Associate influences and coaches peers and/or reports to meet departmental and organizational goals. 

What you will get

The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $85,500 to $142,500. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:

• Performance-related bonus

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• 401(k) matching plan

• Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance

• Employee assistance programs

• Paid time off

Shift: Monday to Friday, Day Shift 0800 - 1630

What you will do

• Act as the primary owner for complex test-related processes, including robustness, training strategies, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) presenter for microbiology and environmental quality control systems, data, and procedures during internal and external regulatory inspections.

• Lead root cause analyses, design quality investigations, and facilitate Out of Specification (OOS) results, complaints, and CAPA initiatives.

• Author, review, and approve protocols, reports, and proposed changes to quality systems, test procedures, and test methods.

• Lead, and coach team to accomplish organizational goals, promote team spirit, and guide staff in cGMP applications.

• Represent Quality Control on intra-site or network projects, collaborating with management to support complex, multi-site operational goals.

• Drive assay transfers, validation activities, and data trend evaluations while continuously improving processes to align with Lonza Business Management Systems (LBMS).

What we are looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or a related field.

• Experience with QC Microbiology and environmental monitoring

• At least seven years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry.

• Sound knowledge of cGMPs, CFRs, or equivalent industry regulations.

• Ability to interpret Quality standards for implementation and review while making sound decisions and problem-solving.

• Technical understanding to complete both routine and non-routine assignments under minimal supervision.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to clearly convey information and update managers on project status.

• Capability to safely work in a laboratory setting involving chemicals, hazardous materials, and physical demands up to 40 pounds.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.

Swiss contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) providing biologics, cell, and gene therapy production services.

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