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Production & Assay Lead Messina Talent Advisors Itasca, IL Job Details Full-time $80,000 - $90,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Qualifications Biology Teamwork Bachelor of Science Manufacturing facility experience Bachelor's degree Documentation Handling Manufacturing company experience Full Job Description 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 is a

MUST HAVE . 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.

Pay:

$80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person