Quality Control Specialist, Biochemistry

Elanco Tiergesundheit AG; Elwood (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

8-week parental leave

Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus

Flexible work arrangements

401K matching

Job summary

Elanco is seeking a QC Specialist in Biochemistry to lead daily laboratory operations and drive continuous improvement in the QC lab. You will own analytical methods, oversee validations, and coordinate testing with Technicians and Specialists in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry or related field and 4+ years of experience in lab/quality settings. Location is Elwood, Kansas with day shifts and occasional extended hours to meet manufacturing timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field.
• 4+ years of relevant experience in a laboratory or quality environment.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication; ability to lead a diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Direct the regular workload for Technicians and Specialists in the QC lab.
• Perform method validations, release testing, and technical transfers.
• Lead quality events, investigations, deviations, and change controls.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Quality mindset

QC operations

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry or related

Tools

HPLC

ELISA

Empower/Softmax

Job description

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!

Your Role: QC Specialist. Biochemistry

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.
• Travel: Minimal travel requirements.

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

• Multiple relocation packages
• 8-week parental leave
• 9 Employee Resource Groups
• Annual bonus offering
• Flexible work arrangements
• 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.

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders, and society as a whole. With nearly 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to helping our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose™ CSR framework – all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet. Learn more at www.elanco.com.