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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for QA Lab Technician

💰 $45,000 - $65,000 (Commensurate with experience)

Quality AssuranceLaboratoryManufacturingScienceEngineeringPharmaceuticalsFood & Beverage

🎯 Role Definition

As a QA Lab Technician, you are the frontline guardian of our product quality and integrity. You will be immersed in a fast-paced laboratory environment, applying your scientific skills to conduct a wide range of analytical and microbiological tests on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods. This role is critical to our operations, ensuring that every product leaving our facility meets stringent safety, quality, and regulatory specifications. You will be a key player in our commitment to excellence, using sophisticated equipment and precise methodologies to generate reliable data that informs critical business decisions. Your meticulous work ethic and sharp analytical mind will directly contribute to our brand's reputation and consumer trust.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Lab Assistant or Intern
  • Production or Manufacturing Associate
  • Recent Graduate with a B.S. or A.S. in a scientific field
  • Quality Inspector

Advancement To:

  • Senior QA Lab Technician / Lead Technician
  • Quality Assurance Specialist or Supervisor
  • Laboratory Supervisor / Manager
  • Quality Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • R&D Technician
  • Process Technician
  • Regulatory Affairs Associate

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform a variety of complex and routine chemical, physical, and/or microbiological analyses on raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished products to ensure compliance with established standards.
  • Meticulously document all testing procedures, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks and the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot a range of sophisticated laboratory instrumentation, including but not limited to HPLC, GC, FTIR, spectrophotometers, and viscometers.
  • Investigate and document Out-of-Specification (OOS) and Out-of-Trend (OOT) results, actively participating in root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) implementation.
  • Prepare, standardize, and document all necessary chemical solutions, reagents, and media required for conducting analytical or microbiological tests.
  • Strictly adhere to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and all established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance.
  • Conduct comprehensive stability testing on finished products under specified environmental conditions to verify and establish product shelf-life and storage requirements.
  • Review and verify analytical data generated by peers to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to protocols before final approval.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory workspace, managing chemical waste disposal and adhering to all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) guidelines.
  • Assist senior scientists and quality engineers in the development, validation, and transfer of new analytical test methods to improve testing efficiency and capabilities.
  • Generate, review, and issue Certificates of Analysis (CofA) for finished products, confirming that they meet all customer and internal specifications prior to release.
  • Manage laboratory inventory levels, including ordering, receiving, and stocking chemicals, consumables, standards, and other critical lab supplies to prevent work stoppages.

Secondary Functions

  • Author, review, and revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and test method documents to reflect current best practices and ensure clarity.
  • Perform environmental monitoring within the production and laboratory areas, including air, water, and surface sample collection and analysis.
  • Collaborate directly with the Production and Operations teams to provide real-time quality feedback and assist in troubleshooting any in-process quality issues.
  • Participate actively in internal, customer, and regulatory audits (e.g., FDA, ISO) by retrieving documentation, explaining lab processes, and answering inquiries.
  • Organize and manage the retention and archiving of batch samples (retains) according to company policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC) tools to monitor data trends, identify potential process shifts, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Provide hands-on training and mentorship to new or junior lab technicians on laboratory procedures, equipment operation, and safety protocols.
  • Support the R&D department by performing specialized testing on pilot batches and new product formulations, providing crucial data for development.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to help resolve unique quality investigations.
  • Contribute to the organization's continuous improvement culture by identifying and suggesting enhancements to lab workflows, safety, and data management.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Analytical Instrumentation: Proficiency with laboratory equipment such as HPLC, GC, Titrators, Spectrophotometers, and pH meters.
  • GMP/GLP Compliance: Deep understanding and practical application of cGMP and GLP in a regulated environment (pharma, food, etc.).
  • LIMS & ELN: Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) for data entry and retrieval.
  • SOP & Technical Writing: Ability to write, understand, and meticulously follow complex Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and test methods.
  • Wet Chemistry Techniques: Strong skills in titrations, dilutions, extractions, and preparation of chemical standards and reagents.
  • Data Analysis & Statistics: Competency in using Microsoft Excel for data analysis, charting, and basic statistical calculations.
  • Equipment Calibration & Maintenance: Hands-on ability to perform routine calibration, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of lab instruments.
  • Microbiological Testing: Knowledge of aseptic techniques, media preparation, plate counting, and pathogen identification methods is a strong plus.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Exceptional precision and accuracy in performing tests and documenting results is non-negotiable.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to investigate deviations and identify root causes.
  • Time Management & Organization: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage workflow effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines.
  • Communication Skills: Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with team members and other departments.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a dedicated quality team.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing priorities, unexpected results, and new testing requirements.
  • Integrity & Ethics: A strong commitment to ethical practices and ensuring data integrity in all situations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

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

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Food Science
  • Biotechnology or a related scientific field

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-5 years of hands-on experience in a quality control laboratory setting.

Preferred: Experience within a regulated manufacturing industry such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food and beverage, or cosmetics is highly desirable.

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