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Associate Director Quality Assurance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate Director, QA Ops Location: This position is based in our Portsmouth, NH office. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM EST. What you will get: Below you will ...

Associate Director, QA Ops Location: This position is based in our Portsmouth, NH office. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM EST. What you will get: Below you will ...

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead a high-performing Quality Assurance team in a regulated pharmaceutical environment. You will play a critical role in ensuring compliance ...

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead a high-performing Quality Assurance team in a regulated pharmaceutical environment. You will play a critical role in ensuring compliance ...

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Associate Director Quality Assurance information

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$12

$29

$62

How much do associate director quality assurance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate director quality assurance in the United States is $29.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $34.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the roles and responsibilities of an associate director quality assurance?

An Associate Director of Quality Assurance is responsible for overseeing the quality assurance processes within an organization to ensure products and services meet established standards and regulatory requirements. This role typically involves developing and implementing quality management systems, leading audits, managing QA teams, and collaborating with other departments to improve process efficiency and compliance. The Associate Director ensures that all quality objectives are met and often serves as a key point of contact during inspections and regulatory reviews.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an associate director quality assurance?

To thrive as an Associate Director Quality Assurance, strong expertise in quality management systems, regulatory compliance, and a relevant degree (such as in life sciences or engineering) are essential. Familiarity with industry standards like ISO 9001, FDA regulations, and proficiency with quality management software or audit tools are typically required. Leadership, critical thinking, and excellent communication help drive continuous improvement and foster cross-functional collaboration. These skills ensure robust quality processes, regulatory adherence, and the consistent delivery of safe, effective products.

What are the most common challenges faced by an associate director quality assurance in balancing regulatory compliance and operational efficiency?

One of the main challenges for an Associate Director of Quality Assurance is maintaining strict adherence to regulatory standards while also supporting operational efficiency. This role often requires navigating evolving regulations, implementing robust quality management systems, and ensuring all team members are trained on compliance protocols. Additionally, balancing the need for thorough documentation and audits with the demands of production timelines can be complex. Success in this position involves strong cross-departmental collaboration, proactive risk management, and clear communication to align quality goals with business objectives.

What is the difference between Associate Director Quality Assurance vs Quality Assurance Manager?

AspectAssociate Director Quality AssuranceQuality Assurance Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in Life Sciences, Quality Assurance certifications (e.g., ASQ)Bachelor's in Life Sciences, Quality certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic oversight, cross-department collaboration, senior-level responsibilitiesOperational focus, team management, process implementation
Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, medical devicesPharmaceutical, biotech, medical devices
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior QA roles, strategic responsibilitiesOperational QA roles, team management

The Associate Director Quality Assurance typically holds a higher strategic and leadership role compared to a Quality Assurance Manager. While both roles require similar credentials and industry experience, the Associate Director focuses on overseeing quality strategies across departments, whereas the QA Manager manages daily operations and team activities. The choice depends on your career level and focus within quality assurance.

More about Associate Director Quality Assurance jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Director Quality Assurance jobs? Cities with the most Associate Director Quality Assurance job openings:
What states have the most Associate Director Quality Assurance jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Director Quality Assurance jobs include:
Infographic showing various Associate Director Quality Assurance job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,925 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, QUALITY ASSURANCE

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

483rd of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.
Be You.
The Office of Regulatory Affairs and Quality (ORAQ) at Duke University is seeking an Associate Director, Quality Assurance to provide strategic leadership for GMP quality programs supporting the development and manufacture of innovative therapies, biologics, vaccines, medical devices, and other regulated products. In this highly visible role, you will serve as a key quality leader, partnering with Duke investigators, GMP facility leadership, regulatory stakeholders, and external sponsors to ensure quality systems effectively support clinical and manufacturing programs.
You will help shape and oversee quality management systems across multiple GMP facilities and product platforms, provide expert guidance on regulatory requirements, support inspections and audits, and lead initiatives that advance Duke's mission of translating scientific discoveries into therapies that improve human health. This position reports to the Director, Quality and plays a critical role in supporting compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across Duke's GMP programs.
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline (Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts).
  • Minimum of five years of experience in a GxP-regulated environment.
    • Experience leading complex projects and multidisciplinary teams with measurable outcomes.
    • Experience making independent Quality Assurance decisions and providing strategic quality guidance.
    • Experience representing Quality Assurance during audits, inspections, and senior leadership meetings.
    • Experience evaluating and improving quality systems, including conducting gap assessments and monitoring effectiveness.
    • Expert knowledge of GxP regulations and quality systems.
    • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
    • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree or PhD in a related scientific field.
  • Experience supporting diverse product development programs, including drugs, biologics, cellular therapies, vaccines, medical devices, blood products, and HCT/Ps.
  • Experience developing and delivering regulatory or quality training programs.
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and relationship-management skills.
  • Ability to build, mentor, and retain high-performing teams.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Other Requirements:
  • Ability to interpret and apply U.S. and global GMP regulations and regulatory guidance.
  • Ability to effectively represent Duke with regulatory agencies, external sponsors, vendors, and other stakeholders.
  • Participation in internal and external audits, inspections, and regulatory interactions as needed.
  • This position is Onsite.

Be Bold.
As the Associate Director, Quality Assurance, you will:
  • Lead and oversee GMP quality management systems across multiple facilities, product platforms, and development programs to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.
  • Provide strategic quality leadership for GMP initiatives, partnering with ORAQ leadership, investigators, manufacturing teams, and external sponsors to address quality, compliance, and risk management considerations.
  • Guide complex quality activities including deviations, investigations, out-of-specification results, product release decisions, CAPAs, and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Represent Quality Assurance during audits, regulatory inspections, sponsor interactions, and cross-functional project teams while serving as a trusted subject matter expert.
  • Develop and mentor staff by leading quality professionals, fostering professional growth, and supporting a culture of quality throughout Duke's GMP operations.

Choose Duke.
Duke University is a world-renowned academic and research institution committed to advancing scientific discovery and improving human health. ORAQ supports innovative clinical and manufacturing programs that bring cutting-edge therapies from concept to patient impact while maintaining the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance.
As part of our team, you will collaborate with leading researchers, clinicians, regulatory professionals, and manufacturing experts while helping shape quality systems that support groundbreaking therapies and research initiatives. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on programs that advance science and improve lives.
Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $109,856.00 to USD $191,062.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange,it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).

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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US