Dave Manchester

Dave Manchester has spent 16 years recruiting scientific talent. He started as a scientific recruiter at a large national staffing firm, the office's first hire after an 18-month hiring freeze, and became the number two recruiter in an office of about 40. He later launched and led KORE1's Scientific Division as Director of Scientific, and he is now back with KORE1 as a consultant. Dave partners with small and mid-sized pharmaceutical companies, contract manufacturers and quality departments to hire QC, QA and laboratory talent. His Blind Recruit method asks candidates what they want in their careers before they know which role or company is on the table, so the answers are honest. He holds a B.B.A. with a minor in Chemistry.

QC vs QA in Pharma: Two Departments, Two Different Hires

September 17, 2026 by Dave Manchester

Pharmaceutical quality control lab bench with clear beakers, conical flasks and a rack of sample vials beside an orange stool

By Dave Manchester, Scientific Recruiting, KORE1 QC or QA, which one are you actually hiring? In pharma, quality control tests raw materials, in-process samples, and finished product in the lab, while quality assurance owns the system around that testing, from batch record review and deviations to CAPA and audits. Two departments, two different hires, and … Read more