Quality Control Scientist

Quality Control Scientist

We are seeking a dedicated Quality Control Scientist who will play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and safety of our products through a variety of microbiological and in vitro testing methods. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in microbiology and biology, with extensive experience in laboratory settings, particularly within USDA-CVB regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform sterility tests, bacterial culture, bacterial toxin production, and other microbiological methods.
• Execute in vitro testing methods including ELISA, SDS-PAGE, and Western blot.
• Develop, optimize, validate, and troubleshoot in vitro testing methods, such as ELISA and Western Blot.
• Conduct in vivo potency and toxin neutralization studies.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to test raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure quality standards are met.
• Independently design experiments, analyze test results, and report findings accurately and clearly.
• Conduct preservative interference, growth promotion, and sterility testing.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of all test results, procedures, and any deviations from SOPs.
• Keep work areas and laboratories clean and organized.
• Assist with ordering and maintaining inventories of laboratory supplies.
• Adhere to all standards regarding quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and safety.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with colleagues in production, manufacturing, regulatory, and quality assurance.
• Maintain a professional, positive, and collaborative attitude in the workplace.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Biology, Molecular Biology, or related area of study.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in an industry environment.
• Previous laboratory experience in a USDA-CVB regulated setting strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with aseptic technique, microbiology, cell culture, ELISA, and/or western blotting.
• Extensive experience with in vitro immunoassay development.
• Experience with working in a GLP or GMP environment is a plus.
• Experience performing bacterial fermentation in lab-scale bioreactors.
• Ability to troubleshoot and develop independently.
• Experience in optimizing and developing in vitro assays.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory animals is a plus.
• On-the-job training is provided for candidates lacking GLP or GMP environment experience.

Work Environment

The position is based onsite in Ames, with a Monday through Friday schedule during the first shift. As a family-owned company with approximately 60 employees, we value both task and attitude, fostering a positive and collaborative culture. The company is growing, having recently launched a new product for cattle. Benefits for permanent employees include paid vacations and holidays, four weeks of paid time off each year, a 401K retirement plan, and health insurance coverage.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $48.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2025.