Avantor

Senior Quality Control Analyst

Reading, GBR Full time

The Opportunity:

Location: 1 The Markham Centre, Station Road, Theale, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4PE
 

Working Hours (Late Shift):
• Monday–Thursday: 13:45–22:30
• Friday: 13:45–18:15

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Senior Quality Control Analyst to join our QC team at our Reading/Theale manufacturing site. In this senior role, you will take ownership of daily QC operations, lead testing activities, mentor junior analysts, and ensure all analytical results meet strict quality standards before products are dispatched to customers.

You will be a key contributor in maintaining the high performance and reliability of our in‑house manufactured HPLC columns and separation media, ensuring batch‑to‑batch consistency and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Daily supervision, training, and mentoring of junior QC analysts.
  • Lead analytical QC release testing for HPLC columns.
  • Approve goods for QC release prior to customer dispatch.
  • Conduct and approve OOS investigations and define the next steps.
  • Develop, optimise, and execute QC performance tests to ensure lot‑to‑lot reproducibility (pore size, particle size, surface area).
  • Prepare, update, and review QC SOPs, work instructions, and product specifications.
  • Lead routine laboratory maintenance, instrument checks, and validation activities.
  • Ensure compliance with internal QC procedures, ISO9001 principles, and safety standards (EHS/COSHH).
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Perform additional QC tasks as required by the QC Team Leader.

What You Bring

Education & Experience

  • BSc in a relevant scientific field.
  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in analytical chemistry or QC, with strong chromatography expertise.
  • Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment (ISO9001 or equivalent).

Technical Knowledge

  • Working knowledge of chromatography (HPLC required).
  • Understanding of QC testing processes, including OOS management.
  • Familiarity with COSHH and chemical safety requirements.
  • Knowledge of QMS principles and documentation control.

Skills & Competencies

  • Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy.
  • Strong communication and organisational skills.
  • Ability to work independently and lead by example.
  • Confident in training, coaching, and supporting junior staff.
  • Awareness of laboratory hazards and safe working practices.

Working Conditions

  • Standing, bending, and lifting (typically <5 kg).
  • Handling hazardous chemicals, including flammable solvents.
  • Use of tools such as spanners and a vice.
  • On‑site, late‑shift based role.

Why Join Avantor?

  • Work on high‑precision analytical products used globally in scientific research.
  • Senior-level scope with real ownership and impact.
  • Opportunities for technical development and career progression.
  • Collaborative team environment with a strong focus on quality.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
 
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
 
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

Privacy Policy:

We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role.
 

Your privacy is important to us. Please click here for our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information. It also explains the rights you have in relation to your information, and how to contact us with any queries or requests.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.