Sr. Manager/Associate Director QC Scientist (Cell Based Assays-ELISALate Stage Development & Process

Job Description Salary:About Aura:Aura Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for solid tumors that aim to preserve organ function. Our lead candidate, bel-sar (AU-011), is currently in late-stage development for primary choroidal melanoma and in early-stage development in other ocular oncology indications and bladder cancer. Aura Biosciences is headquartered in Boston, MA. Our mission is to grow as an innovative global oncology company that positively transforms the lives of patients.For more information, visit aurabiosciences.com. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @AuraBiosciences and visit us on LinkedIn.Position Summary:Aura is seeking an experienced and highly collaborative Senior QC Scientist to support late-stage product development and drive Process Excellence initiatives. This role is critical to ensuring analytical readiness for commercial manufacturing through strong partnership with Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) and cross-functional internal teams.The ideal candidate is a seasoned analytical chemist with deep expertise in method validation, transfer, optimization, and troubleshooting in a cGMP-regulated pharmaceutical environment. This individual thrives in complex, fast-paced settings and brings both technical depth and the ability to influence and collaborate across organizations.Key ResponsibilitiesAnalytical Method Life Cycle Management & ValidationLead analytical method activities to CDMOs, including transfer as appropriate, validation and authoring validation protocols and reports.Manage and review work performed under method validation protocols, method performance, and any required third party activities.Provide on-site technical readiness support and serve as SME during validation campaigns.Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to method life cycle management and validation in partnership with CDMO and internal stakeholders.Drive continuous improvement and lessons learned initiatives across Aura and vendor sites.Technical & Quality LeadershipMonitor and trend analytical method performance in collaboration with Analytical Development (AD).Support quality systems activities, including change controls, deviation investigations, CAPAs, OOS investigations, and method improvements.Perform statistical analyses to support method validation, qualification studies, and critical material qualification.Ensure system suitability and ongoing method performance monitoring.Documentation & Regulatory SupportAuthor and review GMP documentation, including:Method transfer protocols and reports, as requiredValidation protocols and reportsTest methods and best-practice documentsMaintain comprehensive documentation of validation and transfer activities.Contribute technical content to global regulatory filings supporting clinical development.Cross-Functional Collaboration & TrainingPartner closely with Analytical Development, MS&T, Quality Assurance, and external testing laboratories.Lead training for new analytical methods at external labs and support QC analysts in execution, data analysis, and technical review.Present analytical findings and critical issues to cross-functional teams and leadership.Technical ExpertiseSubject matter expertise in analytical methods relevant to biologics and/or advanced therapeutics, including but not limited to:qPCRELISAPotency assaysCompendial methods including microbiological methodsStrong working knowledge of regulatory requirements (FDA, EU, USP, ICH) and cGMP quality systems is required.QualificationsB.Sc., M.Sc., or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related scientific disciplineMinimum of 10 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, with significant exposure to cGMP manufacturing and late-phase method validationDemonstrated expertise in:Analytical method validation and lifecycle managementProcess validation supportTechnology transfer and troubleshootingProficiency in statistical software (e.g., JMP or equivalent)Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skillsAbility to operate independently, prioritize dynamically, and succeed in a fast-paced environmentWillingness to travel to CDMO sites as neededSalary & Benefit Information:Salary Range: $150,000/yr - $215,000/yr(Placement within the listed range depends on many factors including, but not limited to: geographic location, degree, years of experience, and internal company equity)Health insurance with FULL premium coverage401K with company matchEmployee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)Competitive paid time off (PTO)Company-paid short & long-term disability insurance and life insurance