Job Summary:
We are seeking a detail-oriented QA/QC Associate to support both Quality Assurance release activities and hands-on Quality Control laboratory work in a Natural Health Product manufacturing environment.
This role is suitable for a candidate with practical QA/QC experience, strong documentation skills, and hands-on microbiology or laboratory testing experience. The successful candidate will support batch record review, raw material and finished product release, quality inspections, QC testing, SOP improvement, complaint investigations, and general GMP documentation.
A background in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Nutrition, or a related field is preferred. A QA diploma, QA certificate, or related degree will be considered an asset.
Quality Assurance / Release Responsibilities
- Review production batch records, packaging records, testing results, Certificates of Analysis, and related GMP documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
- Support or perform raw material, packaging material, and finished product release activities as authorized by QA management.
- Conduct in-process inspections, finished product inspections, and general quality checks to ensure products meet approved specifications and internal quality standards.
- Prepare, review, and maintain quality documents, including product specifications, CoAs, SOPs, forms, logs, inspection records, and release documentation.
- Review product labels during design, printing, receiving, and production stages to ensure accuracy and consistency with approved product information.
- Maintain QA records in accordance with GMP, good documentation practices, data integrity, and internal quality system requirements.
- Assist with deviation investigations, customer complaints, root cause analysis, and CAPA implementation.
- Support internal audits, external audits, and Health Canada inspection readiness.
- Communicate quality issues, compliance risks, and process improvement opportunities to QA management.
Quality Control / Laboratory Responsibilities
- Perform microbiological and basic analytical testing on raw materials, in-process samples, environmental samples, and finished products, as applicable.
- Conduct microbiological testing such as total plate count, yeast and mold, and pathogen-related testing or screening where required.
- Perform sample preparation, aseptic handling, incubation, plate reading, result recording, and laboratory documentation.
- Operate or assist with analytical instruments such as HPLC for routine testing, sample preparation, system suitability checks, result recording, and basic equipment cleaning or maintenance.
- Maintain laboratory equipment, materials, media, reagents, logs, and testing records.
- Support calibration, verification, cleaning, and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Ensure QC testing is performed according to approved SOPs, good documentation practices, and internal laboratory controls.
- Coordinate with third-party laboratories when external testing is required.
- Assist in reviewing and improving QC SOPs, laboratory forms, testing workflows, and recordkeeping practices.
Requirements:
- Post-secondary education in Science, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, Nutrition, Pharmaceutical Science, Quality Assurance, or a related field is preferred. A diploma or certificate in Quality Assurance is considered an asset.
- Minimum 1 year of QA/QC experience in Natural Health Products, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, medical devices, or another regulated industry.
- Hands-on experience in a microbiology, analytical, or QC laboratory is strongly preferred.
- Practical experience with microbial testing methods such as total plate count, yeast and mold, pathogen screening, sample preparation, aseptic technique, incubation, plate reading, and result documentation is considered an asset.
- Experience operating or assisting with HPLC or other analytical laboratory instruments is considered an asset.
- Understanding of GMP, good documentation practices, data integrity, and Health Canada requirements for Natural Health Product manufacturing is preferred.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify documentation errors, testing issues, quality risks, and compliance gaps.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently under deadlines.
- Team-oriented, responsible, results-driven, and willing to support both QA release activities and hands-on QC laboratory work.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, investigation, and documentation skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Strong written and verbal English skills. Additional language skills are considered an asset.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Scarborough, ON M1E 2K1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:
- Microbial Laboratory: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Quality Assurance Diploma/Degree (preferred)
Work Location: In person
