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lab quality technician

title: 'Unlocking Your Career as a Lab Quality Technician: A Deep Dive into Responsibilities & Skills'
salary: '$45,000 - $68,000'
categories: ['Quality Assurance', 'Science & Research', 'Manufacturing', 'Pharmaceutical & Biotech']
description: A comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities, required technical skills and professional background for the role of a 'Unlocking Your Career as a Lab Quality Technician: A Deep Dive into Responsibilities & Skills'.

🎯 Role Definition

As a Lab Quality Technician, you are the frontline guardian of product integrity and safety. You'll join a dynamic, science-driven team and play a crucial role in upholding the highest quality standards. This position involves hands-on analytical testing, meticulous documentation, and proactive problem-solving within a regulated laboratory environment. You will be instrumental in ensuring that our raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods meet all required specifications, directly impacting customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Recent College Graduate (Science Degree)
  • Manufacturing or Production Operator
  • Laboratory Assistant or Sample Prep Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Quality Technician or QC Chemist
  • Laboratory Supervisor or Team Lead
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist or Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Research & Development (R&D) Technician
  • Process Improvement Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct a wide range of routine and non-routine chemical, physical, and/or microbiological analyses on raw materials, in-process goods, and finished products.
  • Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain sophisticated laboratory instrumentation, including HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis Spectrophotometers, and Karl Fischer titrators.
  • Meticulously document all testing procedures, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Prepare, standardize, and document chemical solutions, reagents, and media required for laboratory testing according to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Perform and document regular calibration, verification, and preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and compliance.
  • Review and verify analytical data generated by peers for accuracy, completeness, and conformance to specifications and protocols.
  • Investigate and document Out-of-Specification (OOS) and Out-of-Trend (OOT) results, participating in root cause analysis and implementing corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs).
  • Uphold strict adherence to cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices), GLP (Good Laboratory Practices), and other relevant regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, ISO, EPA).
  • Manage the laboratory's sample management process, including sample log-in, retention, storage, and disposal, ensuring full traceability.
  • Revise and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), test methods, and other controlled quality documents as needed to reflect current processes.
  • Perform environmental monitoring, such as water system sampling and air quality testing, to ensure the manufacturing environment is controlled.
  • Execute stability testing protocols by pulling and testing stability samples at specified time points and compiling trend data.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory workspace, following all environmental health and safety (EHS) guidelines and procedures.
  • Compile, analyze, and report on quality data to generate Certificates of Analysis (CofA) and other quality-related reports for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Author and execute instrument qualification and method validation/verification protocols under the guidance of senior scientists or management.
  • Provide real-time analytical support to the manufacturing and production departments to facilitate smooth and efficient operations.
  • Train junior technicians or new team members on laboratory procedures, equipment operation, and safety protocols.
  • Manage the inventory of laboratory consumables, chemicals, and reference standards, placing orders to ensure uninterrupted testing capabilities.
  • Participate actively in internal and external audits by providing documentation, answering inquiries, and demonstrating laboratory procedures.
  • Isolate and retain non-conforming materials or products, and assist in the material review board (MRB) process for their disposition.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in laboratory inventory management, including ordering and stocking of chemicals, standards, and consumables.
  • Participate in continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing laboratory efficiency, safety, and data quality.
  • Liaise with production and manufacturing teams to communicate test results and address any quality-related issues promptly.
  • Support the validation of new test methods and the qualification of new laboratory equipment under senior supervision.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Analytical Instrumentation: Hands-on experience with HPLC, GC, Spectroscopy (UV/Vis, FTIR), and titration.
  • GMP/GLP Compliance: Deep understanding of regulated environments (FDA, ISO 17025) and good documentation practices.
  • LIMS Software: Proficiency in using a Laboratory Information Management System for data entry and retrieval.
  • Wet Chemistry Techniques: Skill in titrations, extractions, digestions, and precise solution preparation.
  • Methodology Adherence: Ability to strictly follow complex Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Equipment Calibration: Experience performing routine calibration and maintenance on lab instruments.
  • Data Integrity: Knowledge of ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate).
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in using Excel for data analysis, calculations, and trending.
  • Safety Protocols: Knowledge of chemical hygiene, handling hazardous materials, and using PPE.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Familiarity with tools used to investigate OOS results (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams).

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: Critical for ensuring accuracy in testing and documentation.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to logically troubleshoot instrument issues and analytical discrepancies.
  • Time Management & Organization: Skillfully manages multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Effective Communication: Clearly communicates technical information both verbally and in writing.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Works effectively with colleagues in the lab, QA, and production.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to respond to shifting priorities and unexpected challenges.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's Degree in a scientific discipline, OR a High School Diploma with 2+ years of direct, relevant laboratory experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Chemistry
  • Biology / Microbiology
  • Food Science
  • Biochemistry or a related Physical Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-5 years of hands-on experience in a quality control (QC) laboratory setting.

Preferred:

Experience in a regulated manufacturing industry such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food and beverage, or consumer packaged goods is highly desirable.

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