What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chemist – Quality Control position at Elanco?
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. We’re driven by our vision of ‘Food and Companionship Enriching Life’ and our approach to sustainability – the Elanco Healthy Purpose™ – to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise.
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: Chemist – Quality Control
As a Chemist, you will be part of the Elanco Kansas City Quality Control team to ensure laboratory operations are compliant with cGMP, safety, and regulatory requirements. In this role, you’ll be responsible for advancing analytical testing, data review, laboratory investigations, and continuous process improvements.
Your Responsibilities:
Perform a variety of analytical and physical tests—including HPLC, GC, UV/Vis, IR, Dissolution, and wet chemistry—on in-process, finished product, and stability samples to ensure product quality and compliance.
Review and approve analytical data, ensuring accuracy and adherence to cGMP standards; support inspection readiness and regulatory audits.
Lead laboratory investigations by identifying root causes of analytical discrepancies, writing protocols, and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
Maintain validated analytical methods and contribute to method development, optimization, and validation for new or existing products.
Promote a culture of safety by modeling proper PPE usage, identifying and mitigating lab hazards, and mentoring QC staff on best practices and technical skills.
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field
Required Experience: A minimum of 1–4 years of experience in Quality Control within a cGMP-regulated environment
Top 2 skills: Proficiency in chromatographic techniques (HPLC/GC), and strong analytical/problem-solving abilities
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
Experience with Empower or similar chromatographic software
Strong knowledge of USP methodologies and method troubleshooting
Familiarity with RCRA training and handling hazardous materials/waste
Background in method development and validation
Ability to lead investigations and continuous improvement initiatives
Additional Information:
Location: Kansas City, KS Manufacturing Site
This position may involve handling hazardous materials and potential exposure to allergens or environmental hazards.
This position will require RCRA training, handling hazardous material and or waste, and signing manifest documents for the shipment of these materials.
This position is a fixed duration employee with a one-year contract, annually renewable for up to 4 years with a potential for a full-time position, based on individual performance and business needs.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
Multiple relocation packages
Two, one week long shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
8-week parental leave
9 Employee Resource Groups
Up to 6% 401K matching
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
