Kula Bio is a leader in sustainable nitrogen solutions, helping farmers improve crop yield and reduce environmental impact. We are producing a cost-competitive biofertilizer that boosts a naturally occurring process to deposit meaningful amounts of nitrogen in the soil. We are seeking a hands- on Analytical Bio/Chemist with experience in Quality Assurance and Quality Control to lead our team as the Associate Director of Quality.

In this role, you will be instrumental in ensuring Kula Bio products meet or exceed company and customer expectations while following regulatory requirements. On a regular day, you will develop, implement, and continuously improve the organization's quality strategy, and policies; install, commission, and validate analytical equipment such as HPLC, GC, chromatography, biochemistry analyzer, carbon/Nitrogen Analyzer; perform routine daily sample analysis; establish and/or maintain a robust Quality Management System (QMS) that complies with relevant industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001); oversee product/service inspections, audits, and testing procedures, and develop metrics to monitor quality performance and drive improvement initiatives, and identify and mitigate Quality related Risks. In addition, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams such as procurement and supplier management to establish and maintain robust supplier quality management processes and conduct supplier audits and evaluations. You will partner with teams to integrate quality into product development and operational processes.

To thrive in this role, you are an effective and flexible leader with strong project management skills, proven experience supporting and driving organizational change, and the ability to foster a culture of quality excellence, accountability, and continuous learning in junior team members. You promote and demonstrate safe behaviors, lead by example and engage teams in Safety, Health, and Environment activities. You have demonstrable knowledge relative to the agriculture industry (ISO, GMP, OMRI) to ensure compliance and maintain Kula Bio’s space as a leader in the Biotech and Fermentation market. You align with our mission and vision to make a difference by reducing climate impacts.

Professional Requirements:

• Proven experience (5+ years) in supervisory quality management roles within manufacturing of biologicals, preferably in Ag-Biotech and/or fermentation industry
• Ph.D. in Analytical chemistry or biochemistry with at least three (3) years of experience beyond the Ph.D.
• Certification in Quality Management (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Manager, Six Sigma Black Belt)

Related Qualifications:

• Strong analytical experience in advanced organic and inorganic characterization of fermentation products
• Experience with analyzing plant and/or soil-derived molecules is a plus
• Prior hands-on experience in assay development and qualification/validation
• In-depth knowledge of quality management principles, standards, and methodologies (e.g., ISO 9001)
• Analytical mindset with the ability to drive data-driven decision-making and problem-solving
• Experience with quality management software tools (e.g., QMS, EQMS) and statistical analysis techniques

Kula Bio is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a proactive program of diversity development. Kula Bio will continue to recruit, hire, train, and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion, gender, marital status, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, or veteran status.