Quality & Laboratory Specialist

Based at the USAZ production facility, the Quality & Laboratory Specialist plays an important role in supporting laboratory operations, product quality, and quality system activities. This position combines hands-on laboratory testing with coordination of key quality and laboratory processes to help ensure products consistently meet specification, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Operations and Testing
  • Perform routine laboratory testing of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products.
  • Support production through timely and accurate testing and reporting of results.
  • Maintain laboratory records and ensure the integrity and traceability of test data.
  • Assist with production batch release activities and related documentation.
  • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment as required.
  • Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, and compliance with established procedures.
  • Provide back-up support for laboratory activities as needed.
• Laboratory Programs and Coordination
  • Coordinate and maintain laboratory testing programs, including:
    • Stability Testing
    • TMYM and OVI Testing
    • ICH Q3D Testing
    • External laboratory testing activities
  • Coordinate laboratory cleaning schedules.
  • Support calibration and preventative maintenance programs for laboratory equipment.
  • Coordinate laboratory waste management with approved third-party vendors.
  • Maintain retain samples and related testing programs.
• Quality Systems and Compliance
  • Assist with maintaining quality management systems and laboratory documentation.
  • Support SOP creation, review, and updates.
  • Assist with internal GMP audits and compliance activities.
  • Participate in investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement projects.
  • Support customer complaint investigations and follow-up activities.
  • Help ensure compliance with applicable food, pharmaceutical, customer, and quality standards.
  • Support audit readiness and regulatory compliance activities.
• Laboratory Inventory and Equipment Management
  • Monitor inventory levels of laboratory supplies, chemicals, reagents, and consumables.
  • Coordinate ordering and replenishment of laboratory materials.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment records and calibration status.
  • Support equipment servicing and vendor coordination activities.
• Data Management and Reporting
  • Support administration and maintenance of LIMS and laboratory data systems.
  • Ensure laboratory data is accurately entered, reviewed, and maintained.
  • Assist with quality reporting, KPI tracking, and trend analysis.
  • Maintain accurate records in accordance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Training and Technical Support
  • Support laboratory-related training activities and onboarding of personnel.
  • Promote compliance with laboratory procedures and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
  • Assist in sharing best practices and technical knowledge within the laboratory and quality teams.
  • Serve as a resource for laboratory processes, testing methods, and quality requirements.
• Health, Safety, Environment and Quality
  • Perform all work in compliance with health and safety, environmental, and quality standards.
  • Maintain safe laboratory practices and promote a strong safety culture.
  • Support site quality objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Ensure adherence to standards supporting industrial, food, and pharmaceutical production.

Requirements

• Education
  • Associate's Degree, Technical Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Laboratory Science, Quality Management, Chemical Technology, or a related field.
  • Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Experience
  • 3 to 5 years of laboratory, quality control, quality assurance, or related manufacturing experience.
  • Experience within food, pharmaceutical, chemical, mineral processing, or similarly regulated industries preferred.
  • Experience working with laboratory equipment, quality systems, and technical documentation.
  • Experience with LIMS or similar laboratory management systems is considered an asset.
• Knowledge and Skills
  • Strong understanding of laboratory operations and analytical testing.
  • Familiarity with quality systems, documentation control, and continuous improvement principles.
  • Knowledge of GMP, GLP, HACCP, ISO, or similar quality standards is considered an asset.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and laboratory information systems.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate across multiple functions.
• Working Conditions
  • Combination of laboratory and manufacturing environments.
  • Exposure to production areas, industrial equipment, chemicals, dust, and noise.
  • Regular movement between laboratory and production areas.
  • Occasional lifting and handling of laboratory samples and materials.
• Other Requirements
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

Benefits

• Join a global leader in mineral-based specialty solutions.
• Work in a quality-focused environment serving industrial, food, and pharmaceutical markets.
• Develop technical expertise across laboratory operations, quality systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Contribute directly to product quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Be part of a collaborative team committed to safety, quality, and operational excellence.