For BioAgilytix, committed, engaged, and talented employees have been pivotal to our success since the founding of our company. To give you additional insight into how BioAgilytix’s premier science is supported by the best people, we’ve asked members of our Scientific, Quality Assurance (QA), and Quality Control (QC) teams to share their experiences firsthand.

Today we talk to Christine Ford, Corporate Compliance Manager at BioAgilytix’s North Carolina laboratory, to discuss with her what it’s like working in Quality Assurance in a rapidly changing environment.

Tell us a little about your role at BioAgilytix.
I started at BioAgilytix in November of 2015, and was originally brought on to help the company transition from a paper-based to electronic Quality Management System (QMS). At the time we were working to implement the software system Quality Collaboration by Design (QCBD™). I was involved in helping to configure and validate the software, and as a result of the implementation we were able to transform nine paper-based systems – including those for standard operating procedures (SOPs), change controls, equipment management, and training management – into electronic formats, helping us to further streamline and fortify a number of day-to-day QA processes.

Today, in addition to managing the QCBD system, I have taken over our archiving processes to maintain all data accurately and in preparation for regulatory review. I am also involved in all QA-related training for new employee orientation, and coordinate ongoing annual training for employees as required. Because my daily work is diverse, I get to learn a lot and interact with almost everyone in the company.

What made you choose BioAgilytix for your career path?
Before coming to BioAgilytix, I was working as a QA Manager at a small, very niche CRO with a QMS that was all paper-based. I realized that there would be a limit to what I could learn there, and when I found out that BioAgilytix was looking to move towards an electronic-based QMS I recognized it as an opportunity to learn something new and challenge myself. I also knew that BioAgilytix had a strong quality focus and broader range of large molecule expertise, and was excited for the opportunity to apply my strong GLP background to more diverse projects.

How have you been able to develop professionally at BioAgilytix?
The process of implementing QCBD was an invaluable learning experience for me, and I have been able to expand my skillset now working in an electronic-based QMS environment. But in addition to my day-to-day work, BioAgilytix has given me additional professional development opportunities by encouraging me to attend any QA-focused industry events that I am interested in. Recently, I was able to participate in a Society of Quality Assurance meeting in Maryland, and have also been able to join roundtable sessions and attend local SQA chapter meetings. The insights I gain from these events not only helps me expand my own knowledge, but also allows me to help our team understand and apply evolving QA best practices across the company.

Overall I have found that BioAgilytix is very willing to give employees opportunities to grow their knowledge and expand their role if they have the interest, drive, and commitment.

What is your favorite thing about working at BioAgilytix?
My co-workers! The people here are the best. Between my QA role and managing employee training sessions, I interact with almost everyone in the company and have had only positive experiences with each person I encounter – they all always want to do the right thing. I love my QA team, and there isn’t a single person that I wouldn’t go to as a sounding board to solve any sort of challenge. It’s very collaborative and we all have each other’s backs.

Even as we have grown, the leadership team has been committed to maintaining our small company feel, from keeping an open door policy at all levels to hosting fun things like company cookouts. It’s a culture I’m proud to be a part of.

You can read our other Q&As with Jessica Rohrman, Scientist II and Bioanalytical Project Manager, and Angela Davis, Quality Specialist IV, and stay tuned for additional Q&A sessions from members of BioAgilytix’s team.

Interested in joining the BioAgilytix team? Visit our careers site to learn more about what it’s like to work at BioAgilytix and to view our current career opportunities.