| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Quality |
| Level | Mid level |
| Reports to | QC Manager or Laboratory In-charge |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | 1 to 4 years in a QC laboratory |
QC Chemist job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: QC Chemist
Department: Quality
Reports to: QC Manager or Laboratory In-charge
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A QC Chemist tests raw materials, in-process samples and finished products in a laboratory to confirm they meet specification. They run wet chemistry and instrumental analysis, follow standard test methods, record results, and issue certificates of analysis. The role is central in pharma, chemical and food plants where product cannot ship until the lab clears it. In an Indian QC lab the chemist works to strict method and documentation discipline, maintains and calibrates instruments, and reports out-of-specification results promptly so quality decisions rest on reliable data.
Key responsibilities
- Test raw materials, in-process samples and finished products against approved specifications.
- Run wet chemistry and instrumental analysis such as HPLC, GC, UV or titration as required.
- Follow standard test methods exactly and record results with good documentation practice.
- Issue certificates of analysis for released batches and materials.
- Report out-of-specification and out-of-trend results promptly for investigation and review.
- Calibrate, maintain and check the performance of laboratory instruments.
- Prepare and standardise reagents and volumetric solutions and manage their shelf life.
- Maintain reference standards, samples and stability samples per the plan.
- Keep the lab clean, safe and compliant with the quality system.
- Support audits by keeping analytical records and method files in order.
Requirements
- B.Sc or M.Sc in Chemistry, or a B.Pharm for pharma labs
- Knowledge of test methods and good laboratory practice
- Hands-on experience with HPLC or GC is an advantage
- 1 to 4 years in a QC laboratory
KRAs and KPIs for a QC Chemist
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Testing accuracy | Analysis results accurate and repeatable, retest errors kept low |
| Turnaround | Sample testing completed within the agreed time so release is not delayed |
| Documentation | Analytical records complete and compliant with good documentation practice |
| OOS reporting | Out-of-specification results reported the same day for investigation |
| Instrument readiness | Instruments calibrated and performance checked on schedule |
| Audit compliance | Lab records clear audits with no critical finding |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: HPLC and GC systems, UV spectrophotometer, Analytical balance, Titration and glassware, LIMS or lab records.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Senior QC Chemist, Laboratory In-charge, QC Manager
Interview questions for a QC Chemist
- Walk me through testing a raw material from sample receipt to certificate of analysis.
- You get an out-of-specification result. What are your first steps?
- How do you keep an HPLC method reliable and the system suitable?
- Why is good documentation practice enforced so strictly in a QC lab?
- How do you prepare and standardise a volumetric solution?
- How do you keep sample testing on time without cutting corners?
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What does a QC chemist do?
A QC chemist tests raw materials, in-process samples and finished products in a laboratory to confirm they meet specification. They run wet chemistry and instrumental analysis such as HPLC and GC, follow standard test methods, record results with strict documentation, and issue certificates of analysis. They report out-of-specification results promptly and maintain and calibrate lab instruments.
What qualifications do you need to become a QC chemist?
A B.Sc or M.Sc in chemistry, or a B.Pharm for pharma labs, is the usual base, with knowledge of test methods and good laboratory practice. Hands-on experience with HPLC or GC is an advantage. Employers value accuracy, method discipline and documentation, and hire graduates with one to four years of lab experience.
What is a certificate of analysis?
A certificate of analysis is a document that lists the test results for a batch of material or product against its specification, confirming it passes. A QC chemist issues it after completing the required tests. It travels with the batch as proof of quality and is often required by customers, auditors and regulators.