2026 Future Talent Program - Quality Control Co-op

Job Description

Our Manufacturing Division is dedicated to being the most trusted supplier of biopharmaceuticals worldwide. Our facilities, along with our external contractors, suppliers, and partners, create a reliable global manufacturing network dedicated to delivering a high-quality, reliable supply to customers and patients on time, every time. The Quality organization ensures all products meet regulatory and company standards through robust testing and continuous improvement.

We are looking for talented and motivated students for a 6-month Quality Control Co-op, and will include one or more projects. This opportunity in our Quality organization can provide you with significant development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.

Selected individuals will support strategic projects related to process improvement in our Quality Control labs. Working alongside experienced team members, the successful candidate will assist with special projects, analyze and evaluate processes, and propose innovative solutions to drive improvement.

It is critical that, for all products manufactured at our facilities, high-quality and compliance with company requirements and regulations are delivered and sustained. The Quality Control Labs have a significant impact on achieving these objectives. Quality Control Labs provides testing for in-process controls and the release of products. This area is highly dynamic and challenges us to enhance the efficiency of test methods and procedures, ensuring we can deliver high-quality products to our customers, prevent supply chain delays, and meet demand.

We are working in partnership with our Operational Excellence area (MPS) to utilize Lean Six Sigma principles and tools in a project that analyzes our current capacity, identifies efficiency gains, and helps prepare the site for planned expansion. 

As part of our Manufacturing Division and Quality organization, the Quality Control Co-op position will provide the student with a comprehensive introduction to the disciplines of Quality Control, Planning and Scheduling, and Process Improvement.

The co-op will engage with all levels within the Quality organization to participate in and/or lead projects that support De Soto quality operations, driving efficiency and productivity improvements. Activities may include (but are not limited to):

• Map QC lab processes and document current-state workflows, including touch time and cycle time measurements.

• Observe method execution on the QC shop floor and collect relevant operational data.

• Perform data analysis to identify trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.

• Apply problem-solving and Lean/Six Sigma tools to prioritize and design process improvements.

• Support implementation of process changes and track effectiveness.

• Engage cross-functionally with Quality, Planning & Scheduling, and MPS teams to support DeSoto site expansion planning.

 

Required Education and Skills:

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in a full-time BS/BA degree program in a science-related discipline (Biology, Pharmacy, Engineering, or Science).

• Candidates must be available to work full-time for up to 6 months beginning in May or June of 2026.

• Candidates must have completed at least (2) years of collegiate study by June of 2026.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

• Oral and written communication skills in an international environment

• Organizational skills

• Teamwork and leadership skills

• Ability to analyze, interpret, and solve problems

• Ability to think with creativity and innovation

• Ability to proficiently interact with all levels of specialists & management

Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.

Salary range:
The salary range for this role is $39,600.00-$105,500.00 USD

FTP2025
 

Required Skills:

Accountability, Accountability, Analytical Instrumentation, Analytical Laboratory Equipment, Analytical Method Development, Applied Engineering, Biological Analysis, Biopharmaceutics, cGMP Training, Chemical Analysis, Clinical Techniques, Communication, Corrective Action Management, Immunochemistry, Laboratory Techniques, Leadership, Manufacturing Compliance, Microbiological Analysis, Pharmaceutical Biology, Process Improvement Projects, Productivity Improvements, Qualitative Testing, Quality Assurance (QA) Standards, Quality Control M