About Aphea

Aphea is a dynamic and innovative agricultural biotechnology company based in Ghent, Belgium. Founded in 2017, we are dedicated to developing sustainable, microorganism-based solutions to create a more resilient and environmentally friendly food system. Our mission is to provide effective alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers by harnessing the power of our proprietary R&D platform, APEXbio™. With a team of over 60 passionate scientists and experts, we are in a pivotal phase, transitioning our first R&D products into commercial applications. Our work is driven by a commitment to scientific rigor, sustainability, and a deep understanding of our customers' needs.

The Opportunity

Aphea is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Quality Assurance (QA) Lead to join our team. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated professional to build and shape the quality function from the ground up in a fast-paced, R&D-focused environment. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between our innovative research and the commercialization of our products, ensuring that our processes and final products meet the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance, while maintaining the flexibility required for rapid innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• System Development and Implementation: Design, develop, and implement a fit-for-purpose Quality Management System (QMS) that supports both our R&D pipeline and our nascent commercial operations. This system should be scalable and flexible enough to accommodate the rapidly changing requirements of an R&D-focused company.
• Manufacturing and Product Quality: Develop and implement systems for production monitoring and control to ensure product quality from pilot to commercial scale. This includes the proactive identification of potential defects, root cause analysis, and the implementation of effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve quality issues. This also includes quality release of produced commercial batches, which have been tested according to product specifications.
• OversightDocument Management: Establish and maintain robust documentation and processes for all stages of the product lifecycle, from initial research and development to pilot-scale production, formulation, and commercialization.
• Compliance and Audits: Lead internal and external audits, ensuring a state of continuous readiness. While specific certifications like ISO or GLP are not the immediate focus, you will be responsible for ensuring that our systems are on a path toward future compliance as we scale.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary point of contact for all QA matters, working closely with our R&D, production, regulatory affairs, and commercial teams. You will act as a key partner, providing guidance and support to ensure quality is integrated into every aspect of our work.
• Training and Mentorship: Develop and deliver quality-related training programs to various teams, fostering a company-wide culture of quality, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify and assess quality risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the integrity of our products and processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., agricultural science, biology, microbiology, chemistry, or a related discipline).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance, with a focus on an R&D environment within the agricultural, food, or biotechnology sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing a Quality Management System from scratch.
• A strong understanding of QA principles and methodologies.
• Proven ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects in a dynamic, small-to-mid-sized company setting.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with diverse teams.
• A pragmatic and flexible approach to quality, prioritizing efficiency and innovation while building a foundation for future compliance.

Desired Attributes

• Experience in a small or mid-sized company transitioning from R&D to commercial product launch.
• A hands-on, "roll-up-your-sleeves" attitude and a willingness to handle both strategic and day-to-day operational tasks.
• Familiarity with the specific regulatory landscape for biopesticides or biostimulants is a plus.

Motivated candidates should send their CV and cover letter to quality@odoo.aphea.bio