Position: Quality Assurance Specialist

Position Type: Full-Time

Department: Quality Assurance

Location: Cape Town, onsite

Experience: BSc (Hons) required/MSc or higher degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related discipline preferred, + 3 - 5 years quality experience in industry

Company Description

Watchmaker Genomics is an early-stage life science company based in Boulder, Colorado (USA) with a location in Cape Town, South Africa. Our team is passionate about innovation and values collaboration, creativity and scientific rigour. We believe the intersection of biology, engineering and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specialises in the design, development and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalised medicine.

Position Description

Watchmaker is looking for a motivated Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist to join our QA team in Cape Town!

If you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and love the idea of working at the intersection of science, technology, and quality, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. You’ll play a key role in helping us deliver high-quality products to our customers in the global genomics and synthetic biology markets.

You’ll work closely with our Production partners (Manufacturing, QC Testing, Vialing, Assembly, and Supply Chain) and collaborate with teams in both Cape Town and Boulder, Colorado. Together, we will build on our strong foundation of scientific rigor, creativity, collaboration, and customer focus, all while ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.

How will you contribute?

You will support and strengthen our ISO 13485-compliant Quality Management System (QMS), helping us stay agile, compliant, and customer-focused. Some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Promoting a culture of quality and high performance across the company
• Facilitating training system management, including design, maintenance, measurement, assignment, and analysis of internal training
• Supporting creation and delivery of quality-related training content
• Supporting execution of quality processes, including (but not limited to) change control, nonconformance (NC) and CAPA management, document control, and continuous improvement
• Participating in NC and CAPA investigations related to manufacturing, testing, and control systems
• Creating and/or reviewing and approving quality documents and records (e.g. receiving records, batch records, investigation reports, change records, certificates of analysis)
• Preparing and analysing QMS metrics and reporting for the business
• Supporting management reviews (quarterly)
• Leading or contributing to improvement projects from e.g. NC, CAPA, audits, or site goals
• Supporting internal, external, and supplier audits

Who we’re looking for

You bring scientific curiosity, attention to detail, and a strong sense of ownership. You’re someone who gets things done, communicates clearly, and enjoys collaborating across teams.

You have:

• A BSc (Hons)/MSc or higher in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline
• 3 - 5 years’ experience in quality assurance (NC, CAPA, root cause investigations, audits) within molecular biology (or similar) product manufacturing, support, or development
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork abilities, able to function as an effective member across cross-functional teams
• Confidence working independently across global teams
• A solutions-focused, agile mindset and ability to think on your feet
• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills
• The ability to multitask, perform under pressure, and stay self-motivated
• A growth mindset - open to feedback, learning, and continuous improvement
• A commitment to quality and customer fulfilment
• A positive attitude—you know how to work hard and have fun doing it

Additional preferred knowledge and experience

• Experience with ISO 13485, ISO 9001, and / or cGMP environments
• Hands-on experience with internal/external audits
• Familiarity with training management

Application Requirements

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com:

• Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
• Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience

To ensure your application is considered, please submit it by Friday, 24 October 2025. Please note that this position may close earlier if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Applicants must be South African or be eligible to work in South Africa and already possess the necessary work permits or visas, or be able to obtain them before responding to this vacancy.

If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested. We will also request a current payslip.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE

We are only accepting direct applications for this position. We are not working with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters will not be considered and will be deemed the property of Watchmaker Genomics

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in South Africa; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in South Africa. South African citizens preferred.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable laws.