Director, Analytical Development and Validation, Tech Ops (Biologics)

About Us

Oruka Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ORKA) is developing novel biologics designed to set a new standard for the treatment of chronic skin diseases. Oruka’s mission is to offer patients suffering from chronic skin diseases like plaque psoriasis the greatest possible freedom from their condition by achieving high rates of complete disease clearance with dosing as infrequently as once or twice per year. Oruka is advancing a proprietary portfolio of potentially best-in-class antibodies that were engineered by Paragon Therapeutics and target the core mechanisms underlying plaque psoriasis and other dermatologic and inflammatory diseases.

As we build our core team, we're seeking top talent in different functional areas who are not just looking for a job, but an opportunity to be part of something bigger. Someone who is passionate about making a difference and eager to contribute to establishing an engaged, inclusive, and positive company culture.

Job Title

Director, Analytical Development and Validation, Tech Ops (Biologics)

Location

Hybrid – Waltham, MA. Candidates will be required to be in-office 3 days/week. Remote may be considered.

Role Overview

The Director of Analytical Development and Validation will provide scientific and strategic leadership for late-stage analytical activities supporting the development, validation, and lifecycle management of biologic drug products, with a focus on monoclonal antibodies. This role will lead method validation and comparability efforts in support of BLA/MAA submissions, process changes, and commercial readiness, while partnering closely with CMC, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and external partners.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with deep expertise in analytical method validation, device functional testing, regulatory expectations for late-stage biologics, and the ability to guide teams through complex technical and compliance-driven milestones. This role is highly visible within the CMC team and a pivotal addition to our growing organization where you will play an integral role in supporting multiple programs’ analytical activities in support of releasing supplies for clinical trials and preparing for commercialization across US, Canada and EU.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead late-stage analytical development activities for biologics, including method transfer & validation for release, stability, characterization and device functional testing assays.
• Provide subject matter expertise for ICH Q2/Q14, USP/EP/JP, and global regulatory expectations related to analytical methods.
• Oversee validation of assays including potency/bioassays, purity and impurities (SEC, CE-SDS, icIEF, HPLC), identity, characterization, residuals and device functional testing.
• Experience with PFS and Autoinjector functional testing is required, including validation per ISO guidance(s).
• Drive analytical strategies to support BLA/MAA submissions, post-approval changes, and comparability studies.
• Partner with Process Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory to support late-stage development, tech transfer, and commercial launch readiness.
• Support analytical risk assessments, control strategy development, and lifecycle management activities.
• Serve as analytical lead for regulatory interactions, including agency questions and inspections.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing analytical development team (internal and/or external).
• Set technical direction, priorities, and timelines for analytical deliverables.