Associate Production Laboratory Technician

BioSpace; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) in Frederick, MD is seeking an Associate Production Laboratory Technician for the Reference Standards Production (RSP) team.

This hands-on, non-supervisory role focuses on packaging reference standards and other USP products, following batch records and quality protocols to support our core business. You will work with production-level equipment including fillers, labeling machines, pH meters, autoclaves, and capping/crimping systems, while contributing to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a physical science; four years in related field may substitute.
• Experience with microbiology and aseptic techniques in controlled environments.

Responsibilities

• Produce USP Reference Standards and Materials accurately per batch instructions.
• Operate production equipment (fillers, labeling, capping/crimping) safely.
• Document sampling and batch records; assist with inventory and materials.
• Maintain a culture of safety and contribute to quality initiatives.

Skills

Strong communication

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical science

Microbiology or related life science with aseptic techniques

Job description

Who is USP?

The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is an independent scientific organization that collaborates with the world’s leading health and science experts to develop rigorous quality standards for medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. At USP, we believe that scientific excellence is driven by a commitment to fairness, integrity, and global collaboration. This belief is embedded in our core value of Passion for Quality and is demonstrated through the contributions of more than 1,300 professionals across twenty global locations, working to strengthen the supply of safe, high-quality medicines worldwide.

Description

Who is USP? The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is an independent scientific organization that collaborates with the world’s leading health and science experts to develop rigorous quality standards for medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. At USP, we believe that scientific excellence is driven by a commitment to fairness, integrity, and global collaboration. This belief is embedded in our core value of Passion for Quality and is demonstrated through the contributions of more than 1,300 professionals across twenty global locations, working to strengthen the supply of safe, high-quality medicines worldwide.

At USP, we value inclusive scientific collaboration and recognize that attracting diverse expertise strengthens our ability to develop trusted public health standards. We foster an organizational culture that supports equitable access to mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Our partnerships, standards, and research reflect our belief that ensuring broad participation in scientific leadership results in stronger, more impactful outcomes for global health.

USP is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer (EEOE) and is committed to ensuring fair, merit-based selection processes that enable the best scientific minds - regardless of background to contribute to advancing public health solutions worldwide. We provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and uphold policies that create an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Brief Job Overview

This is a hands-on, non-supervisory position in Reference Standards Production (RSP). In this role, the Associate Production Laboratory Technician will be responsible for a variety of production activities involving both automated and hands-on packaging methods in the RSP production environment. The Associate Production Laboratory Technician is expected to serve as an effective member of a team working cohesively to plan for and package reference standards and other USP products, implement package configuration requirements, and follow USP’s quality protocols. This position is a component of USP’s core business, and the incumbent is expected to contribute to departmental quality initiatives and USP’s culture of safety.

How will YOU create impact here at USP?

As part of our mission to advance scientific rigor and public health standards, you will play a vital role in increasing global access to high-quality medicines through public standards and related programs. USP prioritizes scientific integrity, regulatory excellence, and evidence-based decision‑making to ensure health systems worldwide can rely on strong, tested, and globally relevant quality standards.

Additionally, USP’s People and Culture division, in partnership with the Equity Office, invests in leadership and workforce development to equip all employees with the skills to create high-performing, inclusive teams. This includes training in equitable management practices and tools to promote engaged, collaborative, and results-driven work environments.

The Associate Production Laboratory Technician Has The Following Responsibilities

• Responsible for accurate and timely production of USP Reference Standards and Materials according to USP best practices. This includes understanding package configuration requirements and batch record instructions; safe handling of chemical and biological products in the production environment; proactive support of contaminate prevention; and remaining focused on team commitments and communication.


• Demonstrates a commitment to safety and seeks opportunities to promote USP’s culture of safety in the production environment.


• Learns and applies foundational technical skills while operating USP production-level machines and instruments. Gains proficiency with equipment such as powder fillers, labeling equipment, mechanical production liquid fillers, glove boxes, pH meters, autoclaves, mechanical and electronic pipettes, peristaltic pumps, basic laboratory glassware, biological safety cabinets, and capping/crimping machines.


• Demonstrates growing independence with routine tasks and seeks guidance for more complex operations.


• Prepares test samples to include careful handling of chemicals, accurate sampling, and necessary documentation. Accurately and promptly documents all sampling activities utilizing Oracle ERP system and other relevant software.


• Manages the routine tasks of production while remaining alert for discrepancies and variations on the production line.


• Performs routine mathematical and statistical calculations to detect variances and verify production targets.


• Assists with production materials inventory in support of successful supply chain management, including stocking supplies, dispensing components, and participating in physical inventory activities.


• Begins to identify technical issues during routine work and develops basic troubleshooting skills; proactively seeks guidance and uses available resources to resolve problems.


• Works to develop mechanical and technical expertise in the production environment. Builds foundational mechanical and technical expertise in the production environment, seeking opportunities to practice core tasks and learn equipment operation and production techniques.

Who is USP Looking For?

The Successful Candidate Will Have a Demonstrated Understanding Of Our Mission, Commitment To Excellence Through Inclusive And Equitable Behaviors And Practices, Ability To Quickly Build Credibility With Stakeholders, Along With The Following Competencies And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a physical science. Four years of work experience in a related field may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree in a physical science.


• Relevant academic training in microbiology or a related life science with exposure to aseptic techniques and handling of biological materials in controlled or sterile environments. One year of work experience in a related field can be substituted for academic training.


• Work requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).


• Candidate must be able to pass a pulmonary function test and be able to wear an N95 respirator.


• Candidate may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and should be immunized for Hepatitis B or receive the vaccination series from USP. The candidate may also choose to decline vaccination while still performing the required job duties.

Additional Desired Preferences

• Strong communication and presentation skills, written and verbal.


• Experience working in the pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology industry is strongly preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None, this is an individual contributor role.

Benefits

USP provides the benefits to protect yourself and your family today and tomorrow. From company-paid time off and comprehensive healthcare options to retirement savings, you can have peace of mind that your personal and financial well‑being is protected.

Compensation

Base Hourly Range: USD $25.73 - $32.59 per hour.

Target Annual Bonus: % Varies based on level of role.

Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate’s skill set, experience, qualifications, equity, and other job-related reasons.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

Job Category

Laboratory/Production

Job Type

Full-Time