Cell Expert Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Quality Control Director leads the Quality Control (QC) department, providing strategic direction, technical expertise, and hands-on support to ensure all testing and processes meet stringent regulatory standards. This role oversees in vitro and in vivo assays for product release, potency, and titer monitoring, and supports the growth of antigens for assay reagents. The director ensures full compliance with USDA regulations, drives continuous improvement in methods and processes, and maintains high standards of documentation accuracy and data integrity within an animal health laboratory environment.

• Lead and manage direct reports in the Quality Control department, providing clear direction, performance feedback, and professional development.
• Provide mentorship to scientists, including on-site technical troubleshooting, guidance on experimental design, and support with complex laboratory challenges.
• Perform benchwork as needed, including in vitro and in vivo assays for product release, potency testing, titer monitoring, and growing antigens for assay reagents.
• Oversee all aspects of the Quality Control department, ensuring operational efficiency, scientific rigor, and adherence to established procedures.
• Ensure all testing, processes, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) comply with USDA regulations and relevant 9 CFR requirements for biologic product release testing.
• Identify opportunities to increase efficiency through improved methods and processes, including the evaluation and implementation of new techniques and workflows.
• Mitigate risk by developing and refining processes and methods that enhance quality, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
• Review documentation to ensure all records are completed accurately, thoroughly, and in accordance with internal and regulatory standards.
• Review data and bench records to verify the accuracy of results and the validity of conclusions, ensuring robust scientific interpretation.
• Conduct records review, including batch record and serial release document review, and coordinate shipping of samples to USDA and preparation of 2008 submissions.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams while also working independently to drive projects and initiatives to completion.
• Design studies and experiments, analyze data, and draw independent conclusions that inform product release decisions and process improvements.
• Work efficiently under pressure, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and handle interruptions while maintaining high quality standards.

• Minimum 7 years of experience in an industry Quality Control setting within an animal health company or USDA laboratory.
• Background in a QC setting at an animal health company or USDA-CVB laboratory, with experience in USDA product release requirements.
• Extensive experience with in vitro immunoassay development, including assay design, optimization, and validation.
• Previous experience leading and managing a small team in a Quality Control environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in mathematical calculations for formulating buffers and reagents.
• In-depth knowledge of 9 CFR requirements for biologic product release testing and associated SAMS and VS Memos.
• Expert proficiency in aseptic technique, microbiology, and cell culture.
• Strong technical skills in ELISA, SDS-PAGE, and western blotting.
• Ability to design studies and experiments, analyze complex data sets, and form sound scientific conclusions independently.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage interruptions while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teams and also work independently as needed.

• BS, MS, or PhD in Microbiology, Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Previous laboratory experience in a USDA-CVB regulated setting is strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a USDA-licensed animal health industry quality control setting or USDA laboratories.
• Experience with GLP or GMP environments is a plus; on-the-job training is available for candidates without this Background.
• Previous experience working with laboratory animals is a plus, but not required.
• Strong appreciation for working in a family-owned, growth-oriented animal health company environment, including equine testing and expanding cattle product lines.

This is an onsite, first-shift role based in Ames, IA, working Monday through Friday. The position is located in a laboratory-focused environment within a family-owned animal health organization of approximately 60 employees. The culture emphasizes both high-quality work and positive attitude, fostering close collaboration, mentorship, and continuous growth. The QC team works with technologies such as ELISA, cell culture, SDS-PAGE, and western blotting in a USDA-regulated setting, supporting products for horses and newly launched offerings for cattle. The environment is structured, scientifically rigorous, and supportive, with on-the-job training available for GLP/GMP practices.

This is a Permanent position based out of Ames, IA.

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Paid vacations and holidays.4 Weeks Paid Time Off each year.401K retirement plan.Health insurance coverage.Salary commensurate with experience.

This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.