Quality Control Specialist - Pharmaceutical

MJM Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

MJM Recruitment in Durban is seeking a QC professional to lead analytical method development, validation and equipment qualification in a cGMP environment.

You will investigate OOS results, support LIMS, SAP and Minitab, and drive continuous improvements aligned with regulatory standards.

Requires 5 years in analytical labs with 3 years in supervision; Bachelor’s in Biochemistry/Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry, with MSc/PhD advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Analytical Chemistry.
• MSc or PhD would be an advantage.
• 5 years analytical laboratory experience, 3 years supervisory.
• Experience with LIMS, SAP and Minitab is an added advantage.
• Understanding of GLP / cGMP.

Responsibilities

• Identify, validate and implement QC analytical methods and equipment.
• Prepare method validation and equipment qualification protocols in collaboration with Validation team.
• Investigate QC incidents and out-of-specification results.
• Prepare monthly QC reports and contribute to annual product quality review.
• Provide LIMS support and SAP/LIMS improvements.
• Ensure cGMP/GLP compliance and continuous improvement.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Quality control

Lab supervision

GMP knowledge

Statistical analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry/Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry

MSc or PhD advantageous

Tools

LIMS

SAP

Minitab

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

To ensure excellence in the Quality Control departmental operations by leading technical initiatives and maintaining compliance with industry standards through:

Identifying, developing and validating new analytical methods relevant to the companies product range, Qualification of QC laboratory equipment Investigating QC incidents and out-of-specification results, Monitoring performance of inhouse controls and reference standards, and applying statistical quality controls to identify adverse trends, Providing Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) support, and Identifying and driving continuous improvement initiatives that align with cGMP requirements, regulatory standards, and industry best practice. Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced candidates.

KEY JOB FUNCTIONS:

Identify, validate and implement QC analytical methods and equipment/systems

Stay up to date by continuously researching relevant analytical methods and equipment to improve QC processes and systems. Identify, investigate and recommend relevant analytical methods and equipment to be considered for QC process improvements. Motivate for the consideration and approval of the method, instrument or process improvement. Draw up the relevant user requirement specifications. Prepare method validation and equipment qualification protocols in collaboration with NBIs Validation team, to guide and record the formal validation process, in line with cGMP, pharmacopoeial, scientific and regulatory requirements. Perform or coordinate the completion of the required activities in order to gather the required data for the validation process in collaboration with the relevant QC lab assistants and Validation team. Monitor and manage method validations progress and ensure validations are completed on time. Analyse the data and compile a statistically and scientifically sound validation report for review and approval. Prepare detailed SOPs on the method/equipment and train relevant QC staff on the new analytical method and/or equipment. Submit the required documentation to the Regulatory Team for processing and SAHPRA approval if needed. Ensure SAP change management are followed, and ensure that the new method or equipment is implemented into routine use after approval. Ensure the LIMS is updated accordingly as part of the implementation process of the change. Periodically evaluate the implementation to ensure optimal benefit and compliance with the objective.

Investigating QC incidents and out-of-specification results

Provide guidance to lab analysts in performing root cause investigation studies on out of trend and out of specification QC results, following the companies procedure on OOS results. Evaluate results from the investigation and compile formal, scientifically sound reports for further evaluation by stakeholders such as QA. Share OOS report findings at OOS review meetings. Provide input into OOS results from in-process samples, to guide investigations by Manufacturing staff in the production processes. From time to time evaluate the companies OOS and OOT SOP to ensure it is aligned with international best practice and latest regulatory requirements.

Routine reporting on QC results

Assists with finished product release and stability programme Prepare monthly reports on QC laboratory processes, for the Process Control Review report on OOS results of raw materials, in-process samples, final products and utilities. Prepare and present a high level summary of QC lab operations and processes for the quarterly PCR meeting. Prepare and submit QC laboratory contributions to the annual product quality review report (APQR), using LIMS reports.

LIMS support

Provide support to LIMS administrator for QC related operations. Assist with LIMS tasks such as result authorisations and CoA generation as needed. Identify SAP QM and LIMS improvements and propose areas of improvement

Technical and managerial lab support

Assist with trouble‑shooting in case of problems with analytical methods and equipment. Liaise with suppliers and instrument engineers to resolve equipment issues in a timely manner. Assist the QC manager with special QC projects. Liaise with suppliers in order to achieve projects and operational objectives. Act as a back‑up for QC Manager for assigned operational and management matters in his/her absence. Act as a back‑up for Lead: QC Analyst for assigned duties in his/her absence. Attend meetings to represent QC and contribute in line with the companies business objectives as delegated.

Quality management, including continuous improvement

Up‑hold quality standards and ensure cGMP/GLP is followed in the lab at all times. Ensure operational compliance by management of non‑compliance through review of root cause analysis and implementation of required corrective action within agreed timeframes. Continuously review existing SOPs within the required timeframe, as required. Ensure appropriate maintenance of records and archiving of documents for easy retrieval. Identify opportunities for improvement in QC lab operations and analytical method performance, by considering audit findings, CAPAs, international best practice etc. Attend meetings and training sessions as required, to remain informed of current field related developments and to promote knowledge sharing

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Requirements

Bachelors science degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or related field M.Sc or PhD would be an advantage 5 years analytical laboratory experience of which 3 years laboratory supervisory experience At least 3 years method or equipment validation experience Computer literacy MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) Project management experience Experience of using software such as Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), SAP and Minitab is an added advantage Understanding of GLP / cGMP.

Specific SHE Requirements

Pre‑employment, routine and exit medicals are compulsory due to the nature of the business Attendance to SHE related training is mandatory Adherence to SHE Instructions Compliance to SHE Site Rules is compulsory Our client uses hazardous and biologically active chemicals. The successful candidate will be required to use proper PPE and will go through medical examinations as per OSH Act requirements