Manager, Quality Control 

• This position is based in Richmond, Indiana and the incumbent must be based in Richmond, Indiana by Q4/2024. A relocation package is available.
• The anticipated start date for this position is mid-2024 and will be negotiated with the successful candidate. 
• Work schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Regular overtime and evening/weekend support as required

Company Overview

Liberation Labs is developing a global network of fit-for-purpose precision fermentation manufacturing facilities. We build the critical infrastructure needed to produce novel bioproducts at a scale and a cost structure that enables the broader precision fermentation market. Together with our customers and partners, we use our innovative thinking and passion for manufacturing to make everyday products more affordable and more accessible. We believe that precision fermentation can unlock solutions that have real and lasting impact on the future of sustainability.

Our first facility in Richmond, Indiana is currently under construction with an anticipated start-up in Q4 of 2024.

Our Purpose: Unlock the promise of biotech by commercializing the foods, materials, and other bioproducts of the future – today.

Our Vision: Become the preferred creation partner for the biology revolution trusted to deliver and constantly advance the manufacturing processes of the industry.

Our Mission: Design, build and operate a purpose-built precision fermentation platform with global reach so that visionaries can be entirely focused on advancing the potential of biology.

What we offer:

Liberation Labs is committed to providing exciting career and growth opportunities in an environment that values trust, respect, openness, teamwork, creativity, enthusiasm, and diligence. We strive to create a culture where everyone feels they have an equal opportunity to reach their potential and is accepted and appreciated for who they are and what they bring to Liberation Labs.

Liberation Labs provides competitive compensation, generous PTO, and comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid parental leave, and more. Employees participate in the company’s success through annual performance compensation incentives as well as the ESOP (employee share option program).

Join us as our new Manager, Quality Control

Reporting to the CEO and Site Director, the candidate will play a critical role in the success of our manufacturing plant in Richmond, Indiana. Overseeing site laboratory operations and quality control, the successful candidate will ensure the company delivers high-quality, in-spec ingredients to its customers.

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee facility's quality control testing to ensure products meet customer requirements. This includes assay qualification, maintenance, and performance monitoring. 
• The successful candidate possesses a solid understanding of chromatography science and fluently incorporates mechanistic knowledge of new analytical techniques. 
• The candidate works independently and timely, accomplishing: 
  • Planning, execution and management of analytical technology transfer, qualification, and inter-lab studies, 
  • Statistical data analysis and trending to ensure high Quality Control of assay data and product profile, 
  • Effectively troubleshoot instrumentation and non-conforming data, 
  • Ensures complete CMO lab preparation and training for method implementation utilizing a variety of analytical instrumentation and techniques,
  • Authors QC SOPs, Qualification, and Investigation Reports, and;
  • Organize Manufactured Product sample handling system. 
• Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for the operation and maintenance of QC analytical equipment, including LC, DSC, melting point, titration apparatus, and ovens.
• Hire, train, and manage QA, QC, and lab staff to ensure that staff is conducting all required duties safely and correctly.
• Oversee plant QC staff and tasks to ensure proper documentation of records and review of reports submitted to regulatory authorities.
• Coordinate routine maintenance, calibration, and repair of laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime. 
• Liaise with equipment vendors and service providers to schedule maintenance visits and troubleshoot any equipment-related issues. 
• Promote a culture of safety and ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and protocols.
• Support Quality Assurance to develop a plan for plant-wide compliance with Food Grade Quality standards and relevant certifications (FSSC 22000, kosher, halal)
  • Conduct regular audits and inspections to identify and address any quality-related issues, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Completing other duties as required.

Job Requirements:

• Must have a university degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in QC laboratory operations management.
• Experience with Quality Assurance is preferred.
• Must have experience working in either biomanufacturing, pharmaceutical, or food. 
• Must have experience managing direct reports.
• Must be based in the Richmond, Indiana region by Q4/2024.
• Ability to evaluate and setup new equipment.
• Strong background in chromatography, data analysis and troubleshooting, especially with GC, HPLC and titration, is required.
• Experience in statistical data analysis and trending to establish and maintain inter-lab comparability and conformance is required.
• Knowledge of analytical software, e.g., Excel; Chemstation, Chromeleon or Empower is required.
• Experience in method development is a plus.
• Experience in sample analysis from biological matrices is a plus.
• Candidates must be willing to roll up their sleeves and have a flexible mindset to meet a growing organization’s needs.
• A self-starter attitude with ability to get work done with minimal oversight.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Project management experience and/or training is a plus.
• Self-driven, collaborative, and results-oriented.
• Energized at the idea of helping to create and build a positive work culture.

Equal Opportunity Employment 

Liberation Labs is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, veteran status, and any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws.