Associate Director, Quality Assurance (QA)

Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the largest medical challenges of our time. Denali Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies for neurodegenerative diseases through our deep commitment to degeneration biology and principles of translational medicine. Denali is founded on the collaboration of leading scientists, industry experts, and investors who share the vision that scientific discovery energetically applied to translational medicine is the key to delivering effective therapies to patients.

We invite you to consider an opportunity with Denali to help achieve our goal of delivering meaningful therapeutics to patients.

Based in Salt Lake City (SLC), the Associate Director, Quality Assurance (QA) will drive quality assurance defined strategies and objectives for a new large molecule drug substance clinical and commercial manufacturing facility. This includes manufacturing and analytical testing operations, ensuring compliance with FDA, EMA, and global regulatory requirements. This role manages a team responsible for key quality systems including batch disposition, deviations, CAPA, change control, and investigations. The position also partners with Manufacturing, QC, and CMC teams to maintain product quality, data integrity, and inspection readiness. The Associate Director, Quality also drives continuous improvement and fosters a strong culture of GMP compliance and operational excellence.

Key Accountabilities/Core Job Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of quality professionals, fostering a strong culture of GMP compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement. Includes leading direct report(s) through annual goal setting, growth planning, adherence to company policies, maintain training compliance and provide ongoing feedback on growth, development and areas of improvement.
  
• Provide strategic leadership to strengthen site quality systems and elevate overall regulatory compliance across manufacturing and testing operations.
  
• Provide quality oversight for GMP manufacturing and QC laboratory operations to ensure adherence to FDA, EMA, and global regulatory standards.
  
• Review and approve batch records and supporting documentation to support timely and compliant batch disposition and product release.
  
• Lead and oversee the management of quality events, including deviations, investigations, CAPA, and change controls to ensure effective root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  
• Maintain hands-on leadership and subject matter expertise in GMP quality operations, ensuring effective implementation and continuous improvement of the QMS.
  
• Provide on-the-floor quality support to manufacturing operations to ensure real-time compliance and rapid resolution of quality issues.
  
• Provide quality oversight for qualification and validation activities, including process validation, equipment qualification, and validation lifecycle management.
  
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality Control, Validation, and Regulatory teams to drive quality operations, inspection readiness, and continuous process improvement.
  

Qualifications/Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in a core scientific discipline
  
• Typically 9+ years of overall work experience, to include 5+ years in Biotech Manufacturing / Quality as well as 5+ years of people management experience
  
• Familiarity with large molecule drug substance GMP manufacturing and testing
  
• Knowledge of current USP/Ph. Eur./FDA/ISO/GMP standards and guidance
  
• Ability to work independently or in team environments under deadlines
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  
• Ability to closely follow quality standards and company quality expectations
  
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills
  
• Strategic thinking combined with excellence in execution
  
• Ability to learn quickly, driven by high curiosity
  

Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Denali offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k, healthcare coverage, ESPP and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at

This compensation and benefits information is based on Denali's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

Denali is committed to its core company value of unity by creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

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