Assay and Production Manager

ABOUT CRYSTAL CHEM

Crystal Chem is a specialty biochemical company headquartered in Itasca, IL. For decades, researchers around the world have relied on our ultra-sensitive ELISA kits to power their most demanding experiments. We are a small, focused team — the kind where your work shows up directly in the product, and your ideas actually get heard.

We are growing, and we need an Assay and Production Manager to help us get there. This is a hands-on role at the center of everything we make.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is not a role where you manage from a distance. You 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. We need someone who sees value in both, because both matter.

Over time, you will take on direct reports and help shape how our production team operates. If you are looking for a role where you can grow into a leadership position while staying connected to the bench, this is it.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• 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 — not just problems — 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 and we all wear multiple hats

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We care more about how you work than where you have worked. The ideal candidate is curious, dependable, and comfortable in an environment where no two days are exactly the same. If you have most of the following, we want to hear from you.

• A BS in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field
• 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

BONUS POINTS

These are not requirements, but they will help you hit the ground running.

• Experience in immunoassay, ELISA, or biologics manufacturing — especially in a production (not just research) setting
• Familiarity with QC testing, lot release, or assay validation
• Small-company or startup experience where you had real ownership
• Any supervisory or training experience, formal or informal
• Exposure to kit assembly, packaging, or distribution logistics

WHAT WE OFFER

• Direct ownership of a critical function — you will see the impact of your work every day
• A path to team leadership as we grow, with 1 to 2 direct reports on the near-term horizon
• A collaborative environment with a PhD-level Director of Manufacturing & Product Development who has been with the company for over a decade and is 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
• The stability of a well-established company with a loyal international customer base — and the energy of a team that is still growing

TO APPLY

Send your resume and a brief note about why this role interests you to [email protected]. We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply early.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Briefly describe your hands-on laboratory or manufacturing experience.

Work Location: In person