Associate Director, Drug Substance Manufacturing – Upstream Process at Vera Therapeutics

Department: CMC

Compensation

$175,000 – $210,000/yr

Location: Brisbane, California
Type: Full-time
Level: not_specified
Posted: Aug 4, 2026

Description

The Associate Director, Drug Substance Manufacturing - Upstream Process at Vera Therapeutics will oversee all aspects of drug substance biologics manufacturing, focusing on upstream processing. This role involves serving as a subject matter expert for outsourced drug-substance manufacturing, technology transfer, life cycle management, and global regulatory submissions. The individual will lead campaigns, supervise technical meetings, and ensure alignment with GMP standards.

Required Skills

Upstream Processing
Technology Transfer
Process Validation
GMP Manufacturing
Project Management
Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving Skills
Organizational Skills
Communication Skills

Additional Information

Minimum Education: Master's degree in a relevant life sciences or engineering discipline.
Required Previous Experiences: Minimum of 5 years of pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry experience (or equivalent with a Bachelor's degree) in biologics drug substance upstream processes, technology transfer, and cGMP manufacturing operations.
Extensive hands-on experience in upstream processing, including cell bank management, cell culture (expansion and production), and harvest.
Experience in managing U.S./international CDMOs to support commercial manufacturing of biologic drugs.
Proven leadership and cross-functional management of CMC-related programs, with a track record of successfully driving and managing programs, overcoming challenges, and managing risks.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience in process development and/or manufacturing sciences and technology (MSAT).
Translation Company Name: Vera Therapeutics, Inc.

About Vera Therapeutics

Vera Therapeutics

medicine in autoimmune diseasesBrisbane, CA, United States51-200

Vera Therapeutics pursues truth in science to transform medicine in autoimmune diseases, starting with the kidney, and is deeply focused on IgA nephropathy. The company focuses on upstream immune pathways that drive disease and listens to patients and caregivers to help shape its approach. Vera says it is designed for long-term, disciplined work and offers careers alongside a team that values transparency, collaboration, and long-view thinking.