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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Laboratory Operator

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

ScienceManufacturingQuality ControlPharmaceuticalChemical

🎯 Role Definition

As a Laboratory Operator, you are the frontline of our quality and innovation efforts. You will be responsible for performing critical hands-on analytical tests, maintaining sophisticated laboratory equipment, and ensuring all procedures comply with rigorous safety and quality standards. This position is the backbone of our production process, guaranteeing that our products meet the highest specifications before they reach our customers. You'll work collaboratively within a team of skilled professionals in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment, where your precision and expertise directly contribute to the company's success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Production Technician
  • Recent Graduate (Science Degree)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Laboratory Operator
  • Laboratory Supervisor
  • Quality Control Chemist
  • Process Development Scientist

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Technician
  • R&D Technician
  • Instrumentation Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods according to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Operate, calibrate, and maintain a wide range of laboratory instrumentation, including but not limited to HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, and titrators.
  • Prepare chemical solutions, standards, and reagents required for various testing methodologies and ensure they are accurately labeled and stored.
  • Meticulously document all test results, observations, and procedural deviations in laboratory notebooks, batch records, and the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
  • Analyze and interpret test data, comparing results against established specifications to determine pass/fail status and identify trends or out-of-specification (OOS) results.
  • Initiate and participate in laboratory investigations for OOS results, deviations, and non-conformances, assisting in root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) implementation.
  • Adhere strictly to all safety protocols, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) to ensure a safe and compliant work environment.
  • Conduct routine verification and performance checks on analytical equipment to ensure it is functioning correctly and within specified parameters.
  • Troubleshoot minor to moderate issues with laboratory equipment and analytical methods, escalating complex problems to a supervisor or instrumentation specialist.
  • Manage the inventory of laboratory supplies, chemicals, and consumables, initiating purchase requisitions as needed to prevent stockouts.
  • Collect and properly log samples from various stages of the manufacturing process, ensuring sample integrity and traceability are maintained.
  • Perform environmental monitoring, including water sampling, air quality checks, and surface swabs, as required by quality protocols.
  • Participate in the validation and transfer of new analytical methods, executing protocols and documenting results to support their implementation.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of the laboratory work area, including glassware washing, waste disposal, and general housekeeping duties.
  • Review and provide feedback on SOPs and other controlled documents, contributing to their continuous improvement and accuracy.
  • Assist in the training of new or less experienced laboratory personnel on established test methods, equipment operation, and safety procedures.
  • Prepare and ship samples to third-party contract laboratories for specialized testing, ensuring all documentation and shipping requirements are met.
  • Author and revise technical documents, including test methods, specifications, and laboratory investigation reports, under the guidance of senior staff.
  • Support internal and external audits by providing requested documentation, answering questions about laboratory procedures, and demonstrating compliance.
  • Execute stability testing protocols by pulling samples from stability chambers at designated time points and performing the required suite of analytical tests.
  • Uphold data integrity principles by ensuring all data is recorded accurately, legibly, and contemporaneously.
  • Handle hazardous materials and chemical waste in accordance with company policies and regulatory guidelines, such as OSHA and EPA standards.

Secondary Functions

  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, such as 5S, Kaizen events, or Lean Lab projects, to enhance laboratory efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Assist in the qualification of new laboratory equipment (IQ/OQ/PQ) by executing approved protocols and documenting results.
  • Conduct routine safety inspections and audits within the laboratory to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
  • Support the R&D department by performing testing on experimental batches and providing timely, accurate data.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
  • Operation of analytical instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR)
  • Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software
  • Wet chemistry techniques (e.g., titration, gravimetric analysis, pH measurement)
  • Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) comprehension and adherence
  • Instrument calibration and basic troubleshooting
  • Sample preparation techniques (e.g., dilutions, extractions)
  • Accurate data recording and documentation
  • Chemical safety and hazardous material handling (SDS comprehension)
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) for data entry and reporting
  • Basic understanding of statistical process control (SPC)
  • Aseptic technique (if in a sterile/microbiology environment)

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Attention to Detail
  • Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
  • Effective Time Management and Prioritization
  • Clear Written and Verbal Communication
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Adaptability and Flexibility in a fast-paced environment
  • Proactive and Self-Motivated
  • Methodical and Organized

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma with relevant experience or an Associate's Degree.

Preferred Education:

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

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • or a related scientific discipline.

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-5 years of hands-on experience in a quality control, manufacturing, or research laboratory setting.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in a regulated environment (e.g., pharmaceutical, food & beverage, or chemical manufacturing) operating under cGMP guidelines.
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