Quality Control Specialist, Biochemistry

Elanco in; Elwood (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

8-week parental leave

Employee Resource Groups

Job summary

Elanco is seeking a Quality Control Specialist, Biochemistry to lead the QC laboratory in Elwood, Kansas. The role focuses on directing daily workloads, owning analytical methods, and driving containment of deviations and improvements across the lab team.

You will participate in method validation, investigations, and technical transfers while collaborating with leadership to ensure compliance, safety, and continuous improvement within a dynamic biochemistry environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• 4+ years in a lab or quality environment.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication; quality mindset and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the lab's daily operations and technician workloads.
• Own method validations and technology transfers.
• Lead quality events, deviations, investigations, and change controls.
• Review QC work and audit inventory and reagents.
• Serve as SME for laboratory equipment and maintenance.
• Identify and improve obsolete processes with QC Leadership.
• Support audit readiness and inspections.
• Uphold safety, integrity, and inclusion values.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Computer literacy

Quality mindset

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Biochemistry or related field

MS/PhD in Biology or Chemistry (preferred)

Tools

HPLC

ELISA

Empower

SoftMax

Job description

Quality Control Specialist, Biochemistry (Biotech)

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals' lives better makes life better – join our team today!

The QC Specialist is responsible for the daily operations and technical leadership of the Quality Control laboratory. This role serves as a subject matter expert for analytical methods and equipment, owning critical processes including method validation, investigations, and the direction of daily workloads for QC Technicians. The Specialist ensures strict adherence to quality policies while driving continuous improvement and collaborating with leadership to optimize laboratory processes.

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead Lab Operations:Direct the regular workload for Technicians and other Specialists, ensuring QC policies are followed and acting as the primary point of contact for technical instruction or clarification.
• Method Ownership:Perform regular release testing and lead specialized development experiments, including participating in or owning method validations and technical transfers.
• Quality Event Management:Regularly lead and own quality events, including deviations, laboratory investigations, and change controls.
• Technical Review & Audit:Act as a reviewer for QC Technicians and other Specialists; audit inventory management and ensure reagent/material qualifications are maintained.
• SME Leadership:Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for specialized laboratory equipment, coordinating routine maintenance schedules and ensuring compliance.
• Continuous Improvement:Partner with the QC Leader to identify and improve obsolete processes, anticipating potential problems and finding effective solutions to improve lab systems.
• Compliance & Audit Readiness:Participate in audit activities and proactively prepare the laboratory space for inspections by anticipating potential issues.
• Safety & Culture:Personify Elanco values of Integrity, Respect, and Excellence while fostering an environment of safety, compliance, and inclusion.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• Education:Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Experience:4+ years of relevant experience in a laboratory or quality environment.
• Top Skills:Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; proficient computer literacy; and the ability to work with and lead a diverse group of colleagues. Must possess a “quality mindset” with a deep understanding of quality expectations and compliance.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Biology, Chemistry, or an associated science with 2+ years of experience.
• Hands‑on experience with HPLC and ELISA techniques.
• Proficiency using Empower and/or Softmax software platforms.
• Direct experience in analytical laboratory operations and leadership or training roles.
• Strong attention to detail and a proven track record of acting as a leader of change.

Additional Information:

• Location:Elwood, Kansas
• Shift:Primarily day shift; however, the ability to occasionally support manufacturing timelines outside of normal operating hours is required.

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:

• Multiple relocation packages
• 8-week parental leave
• 9 Employee Resource Groups
• Annual bonus offering
• Up to 6% 401K matching

#LI-HL
#LI-Onsite

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job‑related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.