Production & Assay Lead

We are seeking a Production & Assay Lead for our client in Itasca, IL. Our client is a specialty biochemical company where researchers around the world have relied on their ultra-sensitive ELISA kits to power their most demanding experiments.  The Production & Assay Lead is a hands-on role at the center of everything they make. This person will be in the lab, running production, solving problems, and building something. Some days that means executing a technically demanding assay; other days it means labeling tubes or restocking reagents.  Over time, this person will take on direct reports and help shape how our production team operates.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities 

• Own the full production cycle for our ELISA kit product line, from reagent preparation through QC and shipping
• Perform hands-on assays and lab work as an active contributor, not just an overseer
• Maintain and improve manufacturing batch records, SOPs, and production workflows
• Troubleshoot production and assay issues and bring solutions to the Director of Manufacturing & Product Development
• Keep inventory, schedules, and reagent stocks running smoothly
• Train and mentor production staff as the team grows
• Support new product development from the bench through launch
• Pitch in wherever needed; this is a small team where everyone wears multiple hats

Required Qualifications:

• BS in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field
• Experience in immunoassay, ELISA, or biologics manufacturing — especially in a production (not just research) setting
• A strong bench foundation and an eye toward broader ownership
• A track record of following procedures carefully and improving them thoughtfully
• The confidence to make judgment calls and the self-awareness to know when to ask for help
• An organized, detail-oriented approach to documentation and quality

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with QC testing, lot release, or assay validation
• Small-company or startup experience with real ownership
• Any supervisory or training experience, formal or informal
• Exposure to kit assembly, packaging, or distribution logistics

What They Offer:

• Direct ownership of a critical function with visible daily impact
• A path to team leadership as we grow
• A collaborative environment with a PhD-level Director of Manufacturing & Product Development invested in your development
• Access to world-class external R&D consultants and a culture that takes the science seriously
• Newly redesigned lab and manufacturing facilities in Itasca, IL, convenient to the broader Chicago suburbs
• Competitive salary and a full benefits package (401(k) with matching, health insurance, paid time off)
• The stability of a well-established company with a loyal international customer base

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For more than 40 years, Messina's Talent practice has continuously evolved to meet the needs of our clients. We not only help our clients fill roles and build their teams, but we also help them better understand their workforce and develop strategic talent initiatives that drive value for their organizations.

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