Quality Control Analyst Career

Job Description: Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.


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Quality Control Analyst Career

What Quality Control Analysts do:

  • Investigate or report questionable test results.
  • Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.
  • Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment.
  • Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.
  • Complete documentation needed to support testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms.
  • Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
  • Monitor testing procedures to ensure that all tests are performed according to established item specifications, standard test methods, or protocols.
  • Compile laboratory test data and perform appropriate analyses.
  • Identify quality problems and recommend solutions.
  • Identify and troubleshoot equipment problems.
  • Participate in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommend corrective actions.
  • Participate in internal assessments and audits as required.
  • Receive and inspect raw materials.
  • Train other analysts to perform laboratory procedures and assays.
  • Write or revise standard quality control operating procedures.
  • Supply quality control data necessary for regulatory submissions.
  • Evaluate analytical methods and procedures to determine how they might be improved.
  • Perform visual inspections of finished products.
  • Evaluate new technologies and methods to make recommendations regarding their use.
  • Serve as a technical liaison between quality control and other departments, vendors, or contractors.
  • Perform validations or transfers of analytical methods in accordance with applicable policies or guidelines.
  • Write technical reports or documentation, such as deviation reports, testing protocols, and trend analyses.
  • Review data from contract laboratories to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
  • Develop and qualify new testing methods.
  • Prepare or review required method transfer documentation including technical transfer protocols or reports.
  • Coordinate testing with contract laboratories and vendors.

What work activities are most important?

Importance Activities

Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Holland Code Chart for a Quality Control Analyst