Full-Time

Head of Quality Assurance

Posted on 11/20/2024

Syndax

Syndax

201-500 employees

Develops cancer therapies and conducts clinical trials

Biotechnology
Healthcare

Senior, Expert

Waltham, MA, USA

Category
QA & Testing
Manual Testing
Quality Assurance
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or a related field; advanced degree desirable but not required.
  • Minimum of 12 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry in a quality or related role, with 5+ years in a commercial-stage role.
  • Experience in oncology or other high-impact therapeutic areas.
  • Demonstrated success managing quality and regulatory compliance in a global environment.
  • Demonstrated strong GxP knowledge and understanding of relevant global regulatory requirements.
  • Demonstrated expertise in developing and leading quality strategies and organization, particularly in the pharmaceutical/biotech commercialization phase.
  • Experience with implementing and managing GxP quality systems, risk management, and continuous improvement practices in a commercial setting.
  • Proven ability to lead and inspire a QA team, fostering a strong quality culture throughout an organization.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience with implementing and managing Quality Systems and process infrastructure.
  • Strong skills in risk assessment, root cause analysis, and problem-solving, with experience managing complex quality issues in a high-paced, regulated environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven track record of engaging and influencing internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory agencies.
Responsibilities
  • Define and execute a robust quality assurance strategy tailored for commercial operations, aligning with Syndax’s commercialization goals and global regulatory standards.
  • Oversee the establishment, maintenance, and continuous improvement of commercial-stage quality systems. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and projects to improve processes and the QMS.
  • Serve as the quality lead in interactions with regulatory authority inspectorates (FDA, EMA, etc.) and other external auditors and ensure audit readiness to support both planned and unplanned inspections.
  • Work closely with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Operations, Pharmacovigilance, Medical Affairs, and other key teams to embed quality into each phase of the development and commercialization process, ensuring all processes support consistent quality and compliance standards.
  • Develop and oversee supplier qualification and audit programs to ensure that all third-party manufacturers, packagers, and distributors consistently meet Syndax’s quality standards.
  • Lead risk assessments, implement mitigation strategies, and manage quality-related issues in the commercial supply chain to minimize risk to patients and business operations.
  • Mentor and lead a high-performing QA team to ensure a culture of quality across the organization. Provide guidance, training, and development to keep the team up to date with evolving quality and regulatory standards.
  • Develop and monitor key quality performance indicators (KPIs) specific to commercialization. Regularly report quality performance to leadership, ensuring ongoing assessment and refinement of quality systems and processes.

Syndax Pharmaceuticals develops and commercializes therapies specifically for cancer patients, focusing on challenging cases like hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer. The company conducts research and clinical trials to test the safety and effectiveness of its drugs, aiming to bring them to market after receiving regulatory approval. Syndax's main product, Entinostat, is currently in clinical trials combined with Exemestane for treating HR+, HER2- breast cancer. Unlike many competitors, Syndax targets underserved patient populations and relies on strategic partnerships and public offerings to fund its research and development. The goal is to advance cancer treatment by developing new therapies that address the needs of patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$144.3M

Headquarters

Waltham, Massachusetts

Founded

2005

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

30%

1 year growth

51%

2 year growth

154%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Positive clinical trial results for revumenib in combination therapies suggest strong potential for regulatory approval and market success.
  • The appointment of experienced professionals like Aleksandra Rizo to the board of directors enhances the company's strategic direction and clinical development capabilities.
  • Syndax's inducement grants and stock options for new employees indicate a commitment to attracting and retaining top talent, fostering a culture of innovation.

What critics are saying

  • The highly competitive oncology market requires continuous innovation and successful clinical trials to maintain a competitive edge.
  • Dependence on the success of key products like Entinostat and revumenib means that any setbacks in clinical trials or regulatory approvals could significantly impact the company's growth.

What makes Syndax unique

  • Syndax focuses on developing therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers, particularly HR+, HER2- breast cancer, setting it apart from competitors with broader oncology portfolios.
  • The company's flagship product, Entinostat, and its innovative pipeline, including revumenib and axatilimab, highlight its commitment to targeting specific cancer pathways and patient populations.
  • Syndax's strategic capital raises and public offerings provide robust financial support for its R&D efforts, unlike competitors who may struggle with funding.

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