QC Technician

About the role

AstraZeneca's Macclesfield campus is one of the company's major UK pharmaceutical manufacturing and packing sites, supporting development, quality control and supply of medicines across global markets. The site operates under strict GMP controls, with analytical testing, batch release and deviation management forming a critical part of patient safety. This QC Technician role supports solid-dose product release in a regulated laboratory environment. You'll run routine analytical methods such as HPLC, dissolution, Karl Fischer and appearance testing, recording results in validated systems and escalating anything that falls outside specification. The work is structured and detail-heavy. Every sample, reagent, instrument calibration and result entry needs to be traceable. The role is a good fit for someone who enjoys laboratory discipline, methodical investigation and the satisfaction of knowing that accurate QC work protects real patients downstream.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine release and stability testing under GMP for solid-dose pharmaceutical products
• Run HPLC, dissolution, Karl Fischer, assay and appearance methods to approved SOPs
• Prepare standards, reagents and sample solutions with complete traceability
• Record results accurately in LIMS or controlled laboratory documentation
• Support OOS, OOT and deviation investigations with clear evidence and repeat testing where authorised
• Maintain instrument logs, calibration records and laboratory housekeeping standards
• Work with QA, production and validation teams to resolve batch queries before release

Requirements

• BSc Chemistry or related
• 1+ year pharma QC lab experience
• Familiarity with USP/EP methods
• Practical HPLC experience in a GMP, GLP or ISO 17025 environment
• Strong data-integrity mindset and careful written documentation
• Comfortable following validated methods rather than informal lab shortcuts