QC Analyst / HPLC Laboratory Analyst

About the role

O'Brien Recruitment is recruiting a full-time QC Analyst (also called Quality Control Analyst, Laboratory Analyst or HPLC Analyst) in Parow, Western Cape. The role covers analytical and quality control testing of raw materials, packaging components, bulk product, finished goods and production processes, and requires strong HPLC experience, sound laboratory practice and experience with analytical equipment, deviations, OOS investigations and QC documentation.

Key responsibilities

• Perform line opening checks in primary and secondary production areas and ensure SOP compliance before filling and packaging.
• Test raw materials, packaging components, bulk product and finished goods, and conduct in-process control checks.
• Test water samples and report out-of-specification results.
• Perform HPLC analysis, prepare and standardise chemical solutions, operate analytical equipment and verify instrument status and calibration.
• Operate equipment such as HPLC, pH meters, viscometers, scales, ultrasonic bath, microscope, melting point meter and label printer.
• Prepare samples for outsourced testing, send them to external providers, verify returned results and analyse them against procedures and specifications.
• Complete and sign analytical records, maintain testing documentation, recommend document updates and prepare analytical reports on deviations.
• Keep retained samples in controlled conditions and investigate out-of-specification results, assist with deviation resolution and support corrective actions.
• Investigate customer complaints, generate supplier complaints where non-compliance is found, prepare microbiological samples where required, conduct year-end stock counts, set packaging quality standards and check filling and packing reports against production plans.

Required profile

• Grade 12, with a National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or a related degree; a relevant BSc is accepted.
• 3-5 years of HPLC experience and at least 1 year as a lab analyst.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic or related industry.
• Strong analytical equipment experience, Microsoft Office proficiency, excellent attention to detail, strong organisational ability, ability to work under pressure and good written and verbal communication.

Required skills

• HPLC analysis and analytical testing
• Quality control and laboratory equipment operation
• Deviation and OOS investigation
• Analytical reporting and calibration awareness
• SOP compliance and documentation control