Quality Control Scientist

This role focuses on performing a wide range of microbiological, in vitro, and in vivo tests to ensure that raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products meet stringent quality standards. The Quality Control Scientist independently designs experiments, develops and validates assays, and maintains meticulous documentation while collaborating closely with production, manufacturing, regulatory, and quality assurance teams. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a growing animal health product portfolio in a close-knit, culture-driven organization.

Responsibilities

• Perform sterility tests, bacterial culture, bacterial toxin production, and other microbiological methods to support product quality and safety.
• Conduct in vitro testing methods, including ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and cell culture, to evaluate product potency and performance.
• Develop, optimize, validate, and troubleshoot in vitro testing methods, including ELISA and Western blot, to improve assay robustness and reliability.
• Perform in vivo potency and toxin neutralization studies to assess product efficacy in relevant animal models.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to perform testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products, ensuring they meet established quality standards.
• Independently design experiments, analyze test results, and report findings accurately and clearly to internal stakeholders.
• Perform preservative interference studies, growth promotion tests, and sterility testing to verify method suitability and product integrity.
• Maintain accurate, detailed records and documentation of all test results, procedures, and any deviations from SOPs in accordance with regulatory and quality requirements.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas, ensuring compliance with laboratory housekeeping and safety practices.
• Assist with ordering, tracking, and maintaining inventories of laboratory supplies to support continuous laboratory operations.
• Adhere to all quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and safety standards, including applicable USDA-CVB and GLP/GMP guidelines where relevant.
• Build and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues in production, manufacturing, regulatory, and quality assurance to support cross-functional collaboration.
• Maintain a professional, positive, and collaborative attitude in the workplace, contributing to a supportive and high-performing team culture.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in an industry environment, such as an animal health company or USDA-related setting.
• Strong background in quality control within a laboratory environment, including routine testing and method execution.
• Hands-on experience with microbiology techniques, including sterility testing, bacterial culture, and bacterial toxin production.
• Proficiency with in vitro testing methods such as ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and cell culture.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, optimize, validate, and troubleshoot in vitro immunoassays, particularly ELISA and Western blot.
• Experience following and interpreting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and documenting work to quality and regulatory standards.
• Ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, and communicate results clearly in written and verbal form.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environments, with the ability to adapt to regulated settings.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate records, manage multiple tasks, and uphold laboratory standards.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and maintain a professional and positive attitude.

• Previous laboratory experience in a USDA-CVB regulated setting is strongly preferred.
• Preference for experience with aseptic technique, microbiology, cell culture, ELISA, and Western blotting.
• Extensive experience with in vitro immunoassay development, including method optimization and validation.
• Experience working in GLP or GMP environments is a plus; on-the-job training is available for candidates without prior GLP/GMP experience.
• Experience performing bacterial fermentation in lab-scale bioreactors.
• Previous experience working with laboratory animals is a plus, but not a requirement.
• Demonstrated ability to support quality assurance and regulatory compliance activities through accurate documentation and adherence to SOPs.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain professional relationships across production, manufacturing, regulatory, and quality assurance functions.

This is a full-time, onsite position based in Ames, working Monday through Friday on a first-shift schedule. The role is laboratory-based and involves hands-on work with microbiological methods, in vitro assays such as ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and cell culture, as well as in vivo potency and toxin neutralization studies. The environment follows GLP/GMP-aligned practices, with a strong emphasis on safety, cleanliness, and adherence to SOPs. The organization is family-owned with approximately 60 employees and places significant importance on both task performance and positive attitude, fostering a close-knit, collaborative culture. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package upon conversion to permanent employment, including paid vacations and holidays, four weeks of paid time off each year, a 401(k) retirement plan, health insurance coverage, and compensation commensurate with experience.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.

The pay range for this position is $26.44 - $30.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $26 - $30