Quality Control Director

Actalent; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K retirement plan

Paid vacations and holidays (4 weeks P

Job summary

Actalent in Ames, IA is seeking a Quality Control Director to lead the QC department in an animal health laboratory, ensuring testing and release activities meet USDA 9 CFR standards. This is an onsite, permanent role with opportunities to drive continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration.

The role combines strategic leadership with bench work in ELISA, cell culture, and data integrity, emphasizing robust documentation and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Microbiology or related science with USDA-CVB regulated lab experience.
• 7+ years in quality control in animal health or USDA labs.
• In vitro immunoassay development, validation and optimization experience.
• Proven leadership managing a QC team.
• Knowledge of 9 CFR requirements for biologic product release testing and related memos.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the QC department with clear direction and performance feedback.
• Mentor scientists with on-site troubleshooting and experimental design guidance.
• Perform benchwork including in vitro/in vivo assays for product release and titer monitoring.
• Ensure all testing, SOPs, and records comply with USDA regulations.
• Identify efficiency opportunities and implement new methods and workflows.
• Review batch records and documentation for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate sample shipments to USDA and assist with submissions as needed.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Skills

QC leadership

USDA/9 CFR knowledge

Immunoassay development

Aseptic technique & cell culture

ELISA/SDS-PAGE/Western blot

Documentation & batch release

Team mentoring

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Microbiology/Biology/Molecular Biology or related

Job description

Job Title: Quality Control Director

The Quality Control Director leads the Quality Control (QC) department, providing strategic direction, technical expertise, and hands-on support to ensure all testing and processes meet stringent regulatory standards. This role oversees in vitro and in vivo assays for product release, potency, and titer monitoring, and supports the growth of antigens for assay reagents. The director ensures full compliance with USDA regulations, drives continuous improvement in methods and processes, and maintains high standards of documentation accuracy and data integrity within an animal health laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage direct reports in the Quality Control department, providing clear direction, performance feedback, and professional development.


• Provide mentorship to scientists, including on-site technical troubleshooting, guidance on experimental design, and support with complex laboratory challenges.


• Perform benchwork as needed, including in vitro and in vivo assays for product release, potency testing, titer monitoring, and growing antigens for assay reagents.


• Oversee all aspects of the Quality Control department, ensuring operational efficiency, scientific rigor, and adherence to established procedures.


• Ensure all testing, processes, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) comply with USDA regulations and relevant 9 CFR requirements for biologic product release testing.


• Identify opportunities to increase efficiency through improved methods and processes, including the evaluation and implementation of new techniques and workflows.


• Mitigate risk by developing and refining processes and methods that enhance quality, reliability, and regulatory compliance.


• Review documentation to ensure all records are completed accurately, thoroughly, and in accordance with internal and regulatory standards.


• Review data and bench records to verify the accuracy of results and the validity of conclusions, ensuring robust scientific interpretation.


• Conduct records review, including batch record and serial release document review, and coordinate shipping of samples to USDA and preparation of 2008 submissions.


• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams while also working independently to drive projects and initiatives to completion.


• Design studies and experiments, analyze data, and draw independent conclusions that inform product release decisions and process improvements.


• Work efficiently under pressure, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and handle interruptions while maintaining high quality standards.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 7 years of experience in an industry Quality Control setting within an animal health company or USDA laboratory.


• Background in a QC setting at an animal health company or USDA‑CVB laboratory, with experience in USDA product release requirements.


• Extensive experience with in vitro immunoassay development, including assay design, optimization, and validation.


• Previous experience leading and managing a small team in a Quality Control environment.


• Demonstrated proficiency in mathematical calculations for formulating buffers and reagents.


• In-depth knowledge of 9 CFR requirements for biologic product release testing and associated SAMS and VS Memos.


• Expert proficiency in aseptic technique, microbiology, and cell culture.


• Strong technical skills in ELISA, SDS‑PAGE, and western blotting.


• Ability to design studies and experiments, analyze complex data sets, and form sound scientific conclusions independently.


• Ability to work efficiently under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage interruptions while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.


• Ability to collaborate effectively with teams and also work independently as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Microbiology, Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.


• Previous laboratory experience in a USDA‑CVB regulated setting is strongly preferred.


• Experience working in a USDA‑licensed animal health industry quality control setting or USDA laboratories.


• Experience with GLP or GMP environments is a plus; on‑the‑job training is available for candidates without this Background.


• Previous experience working with laboratory animals is a plus, but not required.


• Strong appreciation for working in a family‑owned, growth‑oriented animal health company environment, including equine testing and expanding cattle product lines.

Work Environment

This is an onsite, first‑shift role based in Ames, IA, working Monday through Friday. The position is located in a laboratory‑focused environment within a family‑owned animal health organization of approximately 60 employees. The culture emphasizes both high‑quality work and positive attitude, fostering close collaboration, mentorship, and continuous growth. The QC team works with technologies such as ELISA, cell culture, SDS‑PAGE, and western blotting in a USDA‑regulated setting, supporting products for horses and newly launched offerings for cattle. The environment is structured, scientifically rigorous, and supportive, with on‑the‑job training available for GLP/GMP practices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Ames, IA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Paid vacations and holidays. 4 Weeks Paid Time Off each year. 401K retirement plan. Health insurance coverage. Salary commensurate with experience.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ames, IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.