Quality Control Specialist, Biochemistry

Elanco; Elwood (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Multiple relocation packages

8-week parental leave

9 Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus offering

Flexible work arrangements

Up to 6% 401K matching

Job summary

Elanco's Kansas location seeks a QC Specialist in Biochemistry to lead daily QC lab operations and provide technical leadership across analytical methods and equipment. You will own method validations, conduct investigations, and guide daily workloads for QC Technicians while upholding quality policies and driving improvements.

The role emphasizes collaboration with leadership to optimize lab processes, maintain compliance, and support safety and inclusion.

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 skills; proficient computer literacy; and the ability to work with and lead a diverse group of colleagues.

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.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Computer literacy

Quality mindset

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry

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:

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
• Flexible work arrangements
• Up to 6% 401K matching

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.