Senior Operator-Fill/Finish

elanco; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Elanco is seeking a Technician, Bio/Pharm Production to support biological manufacturing operations at the Fort Dodge site. The role focuses on operating, troubleshooting, and documenting production processes to meet cGMP requirements and company quality standards.

Responsibilities include setting up and running production equipment, performing in-process checks, and participating in LEAN-driven improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with manufacturing operations and biological production processes.
• Basic computer skills including Word, Excel, ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate and troubleshoot production equipment.
• Support aseptic production processes and documentation.
• Assist with cleaning, environmental monitoring, and in-process checks.
• Contribute to LEAN and continuous improvement.
• Maintain adherence to safety and quality standards.

Skills

Batch records literacy

cGMP awareness

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Associate's degree +2 years experience

High school diploma +4 years experience

Tools

Fermentation equipment

Centrifuges

Concentration units

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: Technician, Bio/Pharm Production

As a Technician, Bio/Pharm Production, you will support biological manufacturing operations at our Fort Dodge site to safely produce vaccines that meet product specifications and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards. In this role, you'll be responsible for operating and troubleshooting production equipment, supporting aseptic production processes, completing required documentation, and incorporating continuous improvement practices such as LEAN into daily operations.

Your Responsibilities:

• Perform aseptic biological production activities, including weighing, measuring, calculations, sampling, and verifications in accordance with batch production records (BPRs), cGMP requirements, safety standards, and site procedures.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot production equipment, including biological processing equipment, and ensure equipment, instruments, and materials are released and available for use.
• Oversee production processes, cleaning, environmental monitoring, and in-process batch quality checks while maintaining required safety and quality practices.
• Complete and maintain accurate production documentation, SOPs, deviation reports, electronic inventory transactions, and assigned training requirements.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve workplace practices and production processes, including integration of LEAN initiatives.

What You Need to Succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or a related field; OR Associate's Degree plus 2 years of experience; OR High School Diploma plus 4 years of experience.
• Experience: Basic knowledge of manufacturing operations and biological production processes, including familiarity with biological equipment such as fermentation, centrifuges, and concentration units.
• Skills: Ability to read, interpret, and follow batch records, quality and safety requirements; basic computer skills including Word, Excel, electronic management systems, and applicable ERP systems.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

• Basic understanding of biological organisms and biological production equipment.
• Experience working within cGMP-regulated manufacturing and following applicable USDA, OSHA, and site requirements.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and independently perform routine production activities.
• Strong quality orientation, analytical thinking, communication, and technical competence.
• Commitment to continuous learning and identifying opportunities to improve production processes and workplace efficiency.

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.