Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Chemical Technician

💰 $35,000 - $60,000

LaboratoryChemistryQuality ControlManufacturing

🎯 Role Definition

A Chemical Technician supports laboratory and production activities by preparing chemical reagents and samples, operating and maintaining analytical instrumentation, performing routine and complex tests for quality control and research, and maintaining detailed, auditable documentation. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with analytical methods (HPLC, GC, titration, spectroscopy), follows GMP/GLP and safety protocols, and collaborates across R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure sample integrity and product compliance.

Keywords: chemical technician, laboratory technician, QC technician, HPLC, GC, analytical chemistry, GMP, GLP, LIMS, laboratory safety.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Laboratory Assistant / Lab Aide
  • Chemical Operator / Production Associate
  • Recent graduate with an Associate/Bachelor in Chemistry or related field

Advancement To:

  • Senior Chemical Technician / Lead Lab Technician
  • QC Chemist / Analytical Chemist
  • Process Technician / Manufacturing Specialist
  • R&D Technician or Associate Scientist

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control (QC) Analyst
  • Environmental Lab Technician
  • Regulatory Affairs Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Prepare, standardize, label, and store chemical reagents and analytical standards following written procedures and material safety data sheets (MSDS), ensuring concentration accuracy and traceability for use in quality control and research assays.
  • Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing using chromatography techniques (HPLC, GC), spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), and wet chemistry methods (titrations, pH, conductivity), and document results precisely in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
  • Operate, troubleshoot, and perform first-line maintenance and calibration on laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, GC, balances, spectrometers, pH meters, centrifuges, ovens), and escalate complex repairs to service vendors while minimizing downtime.
  • Execute sample preparation workflows for solids, liquids, and biological matrices (dilutions, extractions, filtration, centrifugation), ensuring samples meet chain-of-custody, labeling, and storage requirements for accurate downstream analysis.
  • Conduct quality control testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products per SOPs and test methods; evaluate results against specifications and release criteria and prepare non-conforming material reports when necessary.
  • Follow and maintain Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), including proper gowning, aseptic technique when required, environmental monitoring, and strict adherence to SOPs and batch records.
  • Enter, validate, and maintain analytical data in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) with appropriate metadata, timestamps, and approvals to ensure regulatory readiness and traceability.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed batch records, test reports, calibration logs, instrument performance records, and corrective action documentation to support audits, quality reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Perform stability testing and accelerated aging studies, including sample setup, periodic testing, trend analysis, and preparation of stability reports for product lifecycle management.
  • Participate in method validation and verification activities under the supervision of senior scientists, following protocols for accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection/quantitation, and robustness.
  • Measure and record environmental and safety metrics, perform routine hazardous waste segregation and disposal per local regulations, and maintain inventory of chemical wastes and consumables.
  • Assist chemists and engineers with small-scale synthesis, pilot reactions, and process troubleshooting, including weighing reagents, monitoring reaction conditions, sampling, and quenching procedures while ensuring operator safety.
  • Implement and support quality control sampling programs, collect representative samples from production lines or field sites, and ensure correct sample chain-of-custody from collection through analysis and storage.
  • Prepare and package analytical samples and controlled materials for shipment to external laboratories or distribution, ensuring compliance with hazardous materials regulations (IATA/ADR/DOT) when applicable.
  • Monitor, interpret, and analyze routine test data for trends and deviations, support root-cause investigations, and collaborate on corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with QA and operations teams.
  • Maintain laboratory order and cleanliness, including bench maintenance, glassware cleaning, stocking reagents, and ensuring all safety equipment (eyewash, safety showers, fire extinguishers) is functional and documented.
  • Train junior technicians and temporary staff on proper laboratory techniques, instrument operation, documentation practices, and safety protocols to maintain a consistent and competent team.
  • Participate in internal and external quality audits and inspections, prepare requested documentation, implement corrective actions, and support follow-up verification activities.
  • Assist with process scale-up activities by preparing materials, managing sample workflow, documenting observations, and supporting transfer of analytical methods to pilot or manufacturing scales.
  • Apply basic statistical tools and software (e.g., Excel, Minitab) to analyze QC data, prepare summary charts and control charts, and provide concise data-driven recommendations to supervisors.
  • Ensure cross-functional communication with R&D, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to prioritize testing activities, meet turnaround times, and resolve analytical or logistical issues efficiently.
  • Maintain and reconcile laboratory inventories, purchase requisitions, and vendor relationships for consumables, reference standards, gases, and spare parts; forecast needs to avoid testing delays.

Secondary Functions

  • Support method development and improvement projects by running experiments, documenting observations, and suggesting practical optimizations to increase throughput, sensitivity, or robustness.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement, Lean, and 5S initiatives within the laboratory to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve safety and compliance.
  • Assist in preparing technical summaries, trend reports, and evidence packages for management reviews, regulatory submissions, or customer queries.
  • Participate in cross-functional project teams to support new product introductions, scale-up activities, and troubleshooting events with meaningful technical input.
  • Stay current with industry best practices, updated test methods, and new instrumentation by attending trainings, webinars, and vendor demonstrations, and share learnings with the team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation: HPLC (including basic method setup), GC, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, and balances.
  • Proficiency in wet chemistry techniques such as titration, pH measurement, volumetric analysis, filtration, and sample dilutions.
  • Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIMS), electronic lab notebooks (ELN), or comparable data management platforms.
  • Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and ISO quality standards applicable to laboratory environments.
  • Ability to perform routine instrument calibration, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting; document maintenance activities in calibration logs.
  • Competence in preparing reagents/standards, following SOPs, and maintaining reagent traceability and stability records.
  • Understanding of hazardous materials handling, chemical compatibility, spill response, and proper hazardous waste disposal practices (OSHA, EPA, DOT/IATA regulations).
  • Experience with sample preparation techniques for diverse matrices, including extraction, centrifugation, filtration, and sterile handling where applicable.
  • Basic data analysis skills using Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, charts, basic statistical functions) and familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) concepts.
  • Ability to follow method validation/verification protocols and collect data for accuracy, precision, linearity, LOD/LOQ assessments.
  • Experience conducting environmental monitoring and microbiological plate counts in cleanroom or controlled environments (if applicable).
  • Knowledge of chromatography concepts (retention time, resolution, column care) and ability to support method transfers between labs or scales.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail with a methodical, documentation-focused approach to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance.
  • Effective verbal and written communication for clear handoffs, lab reporting, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to identify root causes and propose practical corrective actions under guidance.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to balance high-volume routine testing with urgent analytical requests and project work.
  • Team-oriented attitude, receptive to feedback, and capable of training or mentoring junior staff.
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn new techniques, instrumentation, and quality requirements in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong safety mindset with a commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant laboratory culture.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate degree, diploma, or certificate in Chemical Technology, Laboratory Technology, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline; OR relevant on-the-job experience in a regulated lab environment.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related field for roles requiring method development, validation, or supervisory responsibilities.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Chemical Technology
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Laboratory Science / Clinical Laboratory Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–5 years of hands-on laboratory experience (entry to mid-level positions)

Preferred:

  • 1–3+ years in a regulated manufacturing or analytical laboratory (pharmaceutical, environmental, specialty chemicals, or consumer products) with direct experience using HPLC/GC and performing GMP/GLP-compliant testing.
  • Previous exposure to LIMS/ELN, method validation support, or QA/QC workflows is highly desirable.
Explore More Careers