What does a quality control scientist do?
A quality control scientist is responsible for performing an in-depth analysis of the goods and products from the manufacturing business related to medical or science industries, ensuring the quality of raw materials and resources used on the production. Quality control scientists inspect the features and specifications of the product, checking its adherence to high-quality standards and safe consumption. They also manage the cost-reduction techniques, creating comprehensive data reports from trend analysis. A quality control scientist may also inspect the equipment and machinery of the manufacturing to verify its efficiency and optimal performance during the production.
Quality control scientist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real quality control scientist resumes:
- SAP, Trackwise and outlook manage.
- Assist with timely release of raw materials and finish products through several test methods including HPLC and GC testing and analysis.
- Conduct DNA/RNA manual testing with PCR assays such as ELISA, extractions and poison assays/high pure assays.
- Analyze air samples by GC.
- Maintain sole responsibility for all GC testing perform.
- Perform human error tracking and trending with QA.
- Experience in USP/BP/JP and EP pharmacopoeias and the change process.
- Conduct gap analysis and conciliation among USP, JP and EP monographs.
- Investigate OOS and OOT results for solid doses and liquid doses samples.
- Train laboratory analysts to perform high complexity PCR tests and to maintain test data.
- Develop methods for structural characterization of known and unknown species by FTIR and NMR.
- Utilize the LIMS system to submit samples, enter data, and track samples.
- Perform analysis on various products using various types of methods along with USP methods.
- Provide support to develop of new and existing projects and the GMP manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies.
- Design corrective and preventive action (CAPA) to prevent the similar issue happen to future batches.
Quality control scientist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Quality Control Scientists are proficient in QC, HPLC, and Dosage Forms. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Quality Control Scientists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- QC, 13%
Inspected and released incoming QC reagents and materials into the laboratory facility.
- HPLC, 6%
Conducted cleaning validations analysis using HPLC, TOC and Conductivity Chemistry laboratory techniques.
- Dosage Forms, 4%
Perform testing of in-process and finished pharmaceutical dosage forms, products on stability and cleaning- -verification samples.
- Analytical Methods, 4%
Executed validation protocols, which include: Instrument Performance Qualification and Analytical Method Transfer for Finished Products and Raw Material.
- Test Methods, 4%
Authored/revised/approved test methods, specifications, forms, standard operating procedures and other documentation.
- UV/Vis, 4%
Worked with Potentiometer KF, Coulometer KF, Metler Titrator, UV/VIS Spectrophotometer, Atomic Absorption and Dissolution Apparatus.
Common skills that a quality control scientist uses to do their job include "qc," "hplc," and "dosage forms." You can find details on the most important quality control scientist responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a quality control scientist to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "chemists and materials scientists need to evaluate the results of experiments to ensure accuracy in their research." Quality control scientists often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "tested and analyzed schedule pharmaceuticals (csa) pursuant with dea and fda regulations. "
Communication skills. Many quality control scientist duties rely on communication skills. "chemists and materials scientists must be able to convey information clearly in reports and presentations for both technical and nontechnical audiences.," so a quality control scientist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways quality control scientist responsibilities rely on communication skills: "maintained high level of customer service through proactive communication and partnering with internal customers. "
Interpersonal skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of quality control scientists is interpersonal skills. This skill is critical to many everyday quality control scientist duties, as "chemists and materials scientists typically work on teams and need to be cooperative." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "provided inter-departmental communications between the business units, technology teams and support teams interpersonal relations/customer service"
Math skills. quality control scientist responsibilities often require "math skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "chemists and materials scientists regularly use calculus, algebra, statistics, and other math for calculations." This resume example shows what quality control scientists do with math skills on a typical day: "performed mathematical calculations, interpreted results, and recorded observations using lims as well as maintained laboratory notebooks. "
Organizational skills. Another common skill required for quality control scientist responsibilities is "organizational skills." This skill comes up in the duties of quality control scientists all the time, as "chemists and materials scientists must document processes carefully when conducting experiments, tracking outcomes, and analyzing results." An excerpt from a real quality control scientist resume shows how this skill is central to what a quality control scientist does: "implemented several reporting procedures used to accurately monitor vendor quality issues and expedite resolution based on organizational quality standards. "
Problem-solving skills. Another skill commonly found on quality control scientist job descriptions is "problem-solving skills." It can come up quite often in quality control scientist duties, since "chemists’ and materials scientists’ work involves posing questions during research and finding answers through results." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day quality control scientist responsibilities: "recognized expert in troubleshooting hplcs, dissolution instrumentation, and various other laboratory equipment. "
The three companies that hire the most quality control scientists are:
- Thermo Fisher Scientific51 quality control scientists jobs
- Catalent Pharma Solutions30 quality control scientists jobs
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals28 quality control scientists jobs
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Compare different quality control scientists
Quality control scientist vs. Laboratory analyst
A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a quality control scientist are more likely to require skills like "qc," "dosage forms," "microbiology," and "laboratory equipment." On the other hand, a job as a laboratory analyst requires skills like "lab equipment," "lims," "laboratory procedures," and "sample preparation." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Laboratory analysts really shine in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $47,806. Comparatively, quality control scientists tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $78,853.The education levels that laboratory analysts earn slightly differ from quality control scientists. In particular, laboratory analysts are 5.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a quality control scientist. Additionally, they're 1.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Quality control scientist vs. Chemical technician
A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, quality control scientist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "dosage forms," "analytical methods," "test methods," and "uv/vis." Meanwhile, a chemical technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "lab equipment," "safety procedures," "hazardous materials," and "math." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Chemical technicians may earn a lower salary than quality control scientists, but chemical technicians earn the most pay in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $66,439. On the other hand, quality control scientists receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $78,853.chemical technicians earn lower levels of education than quality control scientists in general. They're 9.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for quality control scientists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Betsy Smith
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College
Quality control scientist vs. Chemist
Chemists are generally responsible for observing and investigating chemical substances to create new and safe compounds essential for practical applications. They are often grouped depending on a particular area of specialization to focus and understand the complexities of the matter. A chemist usually takes time performing research and conducting experiments to test and further improve the quality and usage of a specific chemical substance. Chemists are expected to write on their observations and findings to establish scientific results.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, quality control scientists are more likely to have skills like "qc," "microbiology," "laboratory equipment," and "bp." But a chemist is more likely to have skills like "chemistry," "lab equipment," "product development," and "gmp."
Chemists earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $75,495. Comparatively, quality control scientists have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $78,853.When it comes to education, chemists tend to earn similar degree levels compared to quality control scientists. In fact, they're 1.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Quality control scientist vs. Research and development chemist
A research and development chemist primarily works at laboratories to conduct extensive tests and experiments aiming to develop new products and technologies. Although the extent of their duties may vary, it typically revolves around conducting research and studies, observing chemical reactions, maintaining records and databases, collaborating with fellow experts, and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing components or mixtures. They can find employment in different areas, such as manufacturing companies, private laboratories, government agencies, and even education.
Types of quality control scientist
Updated January 8, 2025
