Director, Clinical Quality

Kyverna Therapeutics is a patient-centered, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing cell therapies for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. Guided by our core values, Stay True to Why, Collaborate to Accelerate, Lead with Clarity, Boldly Innovative, and Own the Outcome, we are committed to transforming the future of treatment for autoimmune disease. Join us at the forefront of cell therapy innovation and help redefine what’s possible.

Position Overview

Kyverna is seeking a highly motivated Director of Clinical Quality to establish and lead our GCP/GLP/GPV efforts. As a Leader in the Quality Function, this individual will have clinical quality compliance oversight for our clinical development programs both in the US and internationally, including oversight of contract labs supporting clinical studies and non-clinical studies, ensuring our adherence to regulatory requirements, and maintaining the highest standards of quality in our clinical development programs. This position will collaborate with internal clinical and nonclinical functions and external parties including consultants, contract auditors, CROs and investigator sites to promote a high level of quality and consistency across and within programs; develop the risk-based audit and compliance strategy for all programs. Additionally, this position will independently manage domestic and international risk-based audits of; investigator sites, study documents, databases, vendors, partners, and internal systems in compliance with GCP, GLP, and Company policies and procedures; assess impact of audit findings on subject safety, data integrity, and business operations. The Director will support a culture of sustainable compliance; assist project teams in implementing corrective and preventive actions; and enable teams to be inspection ready.

Department: Quality

Location: Emeryville, CA (Hybrid – onsite two days per week)

Reports To: Sr Dir Quality Compliance, GCP & Risk Management

• Utilize advanced, international GCP expertise and management experience to develop, execute, and optimize cost effective, phase-appropriate, QA compliance programs.
• Develop and implement a strategic vision for GCP/GLP/GVP Quality Assurance to align with business objectives.
• Drive the execution of a scalable, cost effective, and phase-appropriate QA and compliance infrastructure related to clinical trial oversight, site compliance and safety monitoring and reporting.
• Support international clinical trials through quality oversight, program/study team consultation, and QbD risk assessment.
• Develop and maintain the GCP audit strategy and audit plan in collaboration with program/study teams and in line with program timing and objectives. Perform vendor and clinical site evaluations, as required.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address findings and implement corrective and preventive actions. Maintain and update the CAPA process to ensure the audit reports and corrective actions are developed and completed within timelines mandated in internal procedures.
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies and lead GCP health authority audits and inspections. Implement Inspection Readiness program and provide leadership for GCP inspection readiness training and preparation for MOCK BIMO interview/audits and provide GCP compliance technical support during inspections of investigator sites. Participate in regulatory agency inspections.
• Represent QA in Program Teams, sub-teams and study teams, where relevant and provide input, guidance, and oversight to ensure clinical trials are conducted in compliance with clinical protocols, GCP and other regulatory requirements.
• Enhance and manage a phase-appropriate Clinical QMS to support clinical operations including collaborating on policies, procedures, and processes that align with industry’s best practices and regulatory requirements. Continuously evaluate and enhance the QMS to drive efficiency and compliance.
• Provide compliance direction on investigations into significant quality issues related to GCP elements, product handling, administration, or safety. Facilitate identification of root cause, and development of effective corrective and preventive actions. Ensure reporting of potential or confirmed violations to regulatory authorities in collaboration with Clinical Operations and RA management.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of phase-appropriate clinical quality systems, processes, and procedures related to GCP/GLP/GVP.
• Foster close collaboration with clinical development, regulatory affairs, clinical operations, patient operations, medical affairs, and other departments to ensure alignment and coordination in quality compliance activities. Provide guidance and support to these teams on quality-related matters.
• Maintain expert up-to-date knowledge on GCP/GVP/GLP legislation/guidelines, requirements and practices. Ensure that the information is integrated into Kyverna Clinical Development processes and procedures.

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline is required
• Advanced degree in life sciences, pharmacy, or a related field preferred
• 12+ years of experience in GCP/GLP compliance and monitoring within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on autologous and allogeneic cell therapy treatments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements, including FDA and EMA regulations and ICH guidelines, with an emphasis on requirements associated with the study of ATMPs, particularly genetically modified cells as therapies.
• Proven track record in maturing/managing phase-appropriate, risk-based clinical QMS (e.g. ICH E6 (R3), QbD) and processes in a clinical setting.
• Successful management of audits and inspections by regulatory agencies.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills to effectively communicate with all levels of management.
• Demonstrated expertise in critical thinking, influence, negotiation, problem solving, strategic thinking and leadership in a matrix, cross-functional environment.
• Demonstrated strong leadership capability with ability to make and act on decisions while balancing speed, quality, and risk.
• Strong clinical business acumen skill, with a focus on risk management and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work in a matrix environment and build strong relationships by being transparent, reliable, and delivering commitments.

The national salary range for this position is $190,000 to $230,000 USD annually. The final compensation will be based on individual qualifications, experience, skills, internal equity, and market alignment. This position is also eligible for an annual bonus, comprehensive benefits, and participation in the Company’s stock option plan.