QA Manager

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QA Manager, Specialty Lab

Location – Netherlands (Rotterdam)

Can you tell the difference between a failed run that's genuinely failed and one that's been quietly repeated until it looked better? Are you the kind of person who finds a puzzle in the data rather than a box to tick? Ready to build real, hands-on auditing experience in a fast-moving specialty lab?

At Cerba Research, we are committed to finding the best talent to join our team. We have partnered with Vector Talent to manage the recruitment process for this role. If you're interested in applying, please direct all applications and questions to Vector Talent.

The Global Quality team at Cerba Research is looking for a QA Manager, Specialty Lab, based in Rotterdam, to strengthen quality oversight at one of our highest-volume specialty lab sites. This is a 12-month fixed-term role with genuine hands-on impact, supporting the shift toward rigorous study-based auditing across validation, analytical data and reports.

About Cerba Research

With over 40 years of clinical research expertise, Cerba Research has built a unique offering of services, which includes clinical trial management, specialty lab & biomarkers services and medical devices & diagnostics offerings.

Cerba Research supports clients from research and development all the way through clinical studies and commercialization of therapies. We combine the deep therapeutic understanding and agility of a specialist with the capacity, breadth and global reach of a central lab.

Our extensive experience in central & specialty laboratory services is key to our success, allowing us to provide clients with early scientific insights that optimize protocol development.

We provide key laboratory services to biopharma, government and not-for-profit organizations, supporting clinical trials. Our global accredited laboratory network and connected logistical infrastructure covers the US, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Australia and Africa.

Why Join Us?

• Real, Hands-On Auditing – You won't be reviewing paperwork from a distance. You'll be in the data, checking whether the science holds up, and building genuine audit expertise along the way.
• Support Where You Need It – You'll work alongside a Senior QA Manager who mentors and coaches as part of the role, so you're building skills, not just filling a seat.
• Meaningful Scope, Fast – Rotterdam is one of Cerba's highest-volume specialty lab sites. What you do here matters immediately.
• A Genuine Step in Your QA Career – Whether you're moving from a lab-based role into auditing, or building on early QA experience, this is a real opportunity to develop into study-based, regulatory-focused quality work.

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How You Will Add Value

As QA Manager, Specialty Lab, you will contribute to:

• Performing study-based audits on validation, analytical plans, raw data and reports, ensuring findings are accurate and effectively reported
• Supporting regulatory compliance across ISO13485, ISO15189, ISO17025, ISO9001, GCLP, GCP, GLP, IVD/IVDR, CAP/CLIA and GAPIV standards
• Contributing to a culture of quality and continuous improvement, identifying bottlenecks and proposing enhancements

Supporting CAPA and deviation management, working with owners to ensure timely, effective resolution
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Your Responsibilities

• Participate in, perform, and review audit findings and reports for study-based audits, based on intended use and endpoint
• Advise and mentor QA Managers, providing support for QMS findings and their resolution during audits
• Perform internal audits and support, follow up on, and host external audits and regulatory inspections, in collaboration with the Global Audit and Vendor Quality Team
• Review proposed CAPA responses and work with CAPA owners to ensure adequate resolution
• Detect deviations, review root cause analysis, and follow up on timely resolution of deviations, CAPAs and effectiveness checks
• Aid in the preparation of local and global management review and KPIs

Independently manage QA-related projects through to completion

About You

You're an experienced QA professional who understands that a compliant process and a scientifically sound result aren't always the same thing. You're comfortable holding that line, and you know how to bring others along with you rather than simply telling them what to do.

• University or equivalent degree in a relevant scientific field (biology, chemistry, medical technology or related), and/or 5+ years' experience in Quality Assurance and laboratory operations
• In-process audit experience, with a demonstrated ability to assess and improve ongoing processes
• Strong knowledge of ISO17025, ISO15189, ISO13485, ISO9001, GAPIV, GCP, GCLP, GLP, IVD/IVDR and CAP/CLIA
• Experience with study-based, bioanalytical auditing is highly valued; familiarity with ICH M10 bioanalytical method validation guidance is a strong plus
• Comfortable working across multiple sites and open to travel between Rotterdam and Rijswijk
• A natural mentor, able to coach less experienced auditors while independently managing your own workload
• Fluent in English; Dutch and/or French is an advantage

Travel:

Regular travel between Rotterdam and Rijswijk required. Limited additional travel may apply.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Cerba HealthCare, we believe that the diversity of people, backgrounds, and perspectives is an essential asset in fulfilling our mission: to improve the health of everyone, everywhere. We are committed to providing an inclusive work environment that guarantees equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, background, sexual orientation, disability, or any other personal characteristic. All talented individuals are