Position: Senior Quality Assurance Specialist

Position Type: Full-Time Employee

Department: Quality Assurance

Location: Salt River, Cape Town, South Africa (onsite)

Experience: Minimum 8 years’ experience in a quality environment (ISO 13485 and/or cGMP) & Degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline (MSc or higher preferred)

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 inviting applications for the full-time position of Senior Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist to join our QA Team based In Cape Town, South Africa.

Role purpose

The Senior QA Specialist is responsible for ensuring the effectiveness, compliance, and continuous improvement of key Quality Management System (QMS) processes within our ISO 13485-compliant environment.

This role focuses on owning and improving core quality system elements (including CAPA, nonconformance (NC), and change control), supporting production quality, and enabling consistent delivery of high-quality products across global operations.

Scope and Level of Responsibility

• Act as QA lead on complex or cross-functional quality system activities
• Take ownership of key QMS processes and ensure their effectiveness and compliance
• Make independent decisions within established quality frameworks
• Identify systemic issues and drive sustainable process improvements
• Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced team members
• Contribute to the ongoing development and global alignment of the QMS

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate cross-functionally with teams in Cape Town and Boulder to ensure alignment and quality outcomes
• Lead and support investigations (NC and CAPA), including root cause analysis and implementation of effective corrective actions
• Review and approve complex quality records and documentation (e.g. batch records, NC and CAPA reports, change controls, certificates of analysis)
• Support production quality activities across manufacturing, QC testing, and supply chain
• Perform and support internal, supplier, and external audits, including audit readiness activities
• Support customer complaint investigations and ensure appropriate resolution and follow-up
• Review calibration, validation, and qualification documentation for compliance (equipment, processes, methods, and systems)
• Analyse QMS metrics and contribute to management review processes
• Lead or contribute to continuous improvement initiatives arising from audits, CAPAs, and business needs
• Contribute to training management and document control processes as part of ongoing QMS improvement

Success in This Role Will Be Measured By

• Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder alignment
• Timely and effective closure of CAPAs and NCs
• Audit readiness and successful audit outcomes
• Measurable improvements in QMS performance metrics
• Reduction in recurring or systemic quality issues
• Ability to make independent, risk-based quality decisions in complex or non-routine situations, ensuring compliance with requirements

Education and Experience

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in a quality environment (ISO 13485 and/or cGMP)
• Degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline (MSc or higher preferred)
• Demonstrated experience with CAPA, NC management, root cause analysis, change control, and audits
• Experience supporting manufacturing, product development, or QC in a life sciences or related environment

Key Skills and Attributes

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex quality topics
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities across global stakeholders
• Structured, pragmatic problem-solving approach
• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across functions
• Commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and professional growth

Preferred experience

• Experience in ISO 13485 and/or cGMP-regulated environments
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes for genomics reagents or medical devices
• Experience preparing for and participating in internal and external audits

Why Join Us

You’ll be joining a growing, science-driven organisation where quality is a critical enabler of innovation and scale. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership, influence how systems evolve, and contribute meaningfully to delivering high-quality products in a rapidly advancing field.

If you do not match all the criteria listed above but feel that you may be able to contribute scientifically to the organisation with other aligned complementary skill sets, we encourage you to still consider applying. As a growing organisation committed to excellence, we are passionate about finding the right individual and upskilling where required.

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

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.

To ensure your application is considered, please submit it by Friday, 5 June 2026 . 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.

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.

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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

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SOUTH AFRICA - 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.