Lab Technician (Charlotte)

Position Objective (Summary / Description):

• Perform and ensure the accurate execution of established analytical methods, physicochemical testing, and quality control procedures for pigment dispersions, guaranteeing the reliability of results and product compliance with internal specifications and customer requirements.

• Participate in the validation, standardization, and continuous improvement of test methods, as well as in deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and technical support to Production. Contribute to maintaining laboratory organization, traceability, and data integrity, ensuring that all information generated is accurate, complete, and properly documented.

• Ensure strict adherence to safety practices, applicable regulations, and corporate policies while promoting a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

• Support the sustainability and compliance of Sudarshan's Integrated Management System (IMS), ensuring alignment with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, and ISO 45001 standards, as well as Social Responsibility, Clean Industry, and Safe Company programs.

• Comply with all corporate guidelines, policies, risk management requirements, audit protocols, accident prevention initiatives, and legal and regulatory obligations. Actively contribute to maintaining a safe, environmentally responsible, and compliant workplace while supporting business objectives and customer satisfaction.

Functions, Responsibilities and Activities:

Quality control of finished and semi-finished products:

• Perform established analytical methods and physicochemical tests, including viscosity, density, pH, colorimetry, stability, solids content, and other quality control analyses, in accordance with approved procedures and laboratory standards.
• Accurately record, document, and report test results in laboratory systems, logbooks, and internal documentation, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and compliance with quality requirements and established acceptance criteria.
• Evaluate and compare analytical results against internal specifications, master standards, customer requirements, and product quality parameters, identifying any deviations and communicating findings promptly to the appropriate stakeholders for resolution and corrective action.

Batch release and specification assurance:

• Evaluate product conformity and determine batch disposition for release based on analytical results, established quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.
• Make and document release, hold, or rejection decisions supported by analytical data and in accordance with approved quality procedures and company guidelines.
• Coordinate with Production and relevant stakeholders on the management of out-of-specification (OOS) results and non-conforming batches, recommending immediate containment and corrective actions while ensuring proper documentation of material status.
• Support investigations related to quality deviations, non-conformities, and customer complaints, contributing to root cause analysis and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to prevent recurrence.

Deviation investigation and root cause analysis

• Participate in the investigation of quality deviations and non-conformances by conducting additional testing, comparative evaluations, resampling activities, and supplementary analyses to verify results and support decision-making.
• Analyze and interpret quality trends, historical data, and product performance patterns to identify potential issues and contribute to root cause investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical support to Production and cross-functional teams by clarifying analytical results, quality specifications, acceptance criteria, and product performance characteristics, helping to ensure effective problem-solving and process optimization.
• Collaborate in the development and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), monitoring the effectiveness of actions taken and supporting efforts to prevent recurrence of quality-related issues.

Standardization, validation and continuous improvement of test methods

• Perform repeatability, reproducibility, and robustness studies to validate and verify analytical methods used by the Quality Control laboratory, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and compliance with established quality standards.
• Maintain and update all technical records associated with analytical methods, including calibration curves, control charts, spreadsheets, laboratory logs, validation protocols, and supporting documentation, ensuring data integrity and traceability.
• Review, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs) in accordance with approved formats, quality management system requirements, regulatory standards, and best laboratory practices.

Sample management and document control

• Receive, identify, store, and manage process samples, finished product samples, retention samples, and samples submitted for external laboratory analysis, ensuring proper handling throughout the testing lifecycle.
• Ensure accurate labeling, traceability, storage, and preservation of all samples in accordance with internal quality procedures, regulatory requirements, and laboratory best practices.
• Prepare, maintain, and update laboratory documentation, including analytical reports, Certificates of Analysis (CoA), logbooks, testing records, and other quality-related documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with document control requirements.
• Maintain organized sample and documentation archives to support product traceability, audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and effective retrieval of historical records when required.

Calibration, verification and basic equipment maintenance

• Perform routine verification and functional checks of laboratory equipment, including pH meters, viscometers, spectrophotometers, balances, and other analytical instruments, in accordance with established calibration and maintenance programs.
• Accurately document and report equipment deviations, malfunctions, out-of-tolerance conditions, and performance issues, ensuring timely communication to the responsible departments and appropriate follow-up actions.
• Conduct basic preventive maintenance activities and ensure the proper handling, storage, and use of laboratory consumables, reagents, reference materials, and calibration standards to maintain testing accuracy and reliability.

Regulatory compliance and QMS alignment

• Ensure compliance with all applicable Quality Control laboratory procedures, corporate policies, regulatory requirements, and quality standards, maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of laboratory operations.
• Participate in internal, external, customer, and certification audits, providing accurate technical information, laboratory records, and supporting documentation as required to demonstrate compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
• Contribute to the maintenance and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) through the accurate execution of laboratory activities, timely completion of records, adherence to established controls, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions when necessary.

Microbiological analysis

• Receive, identify, prepare, and perform microbiological analyses of samples submitted by Production, Quality Control, Development, and Technical Services (ST), ensuring testing is conducted in accordance with established procedures and quality standards.
• Ensure proper handling of biological materials and microbiological cultures, maintaining aseptic techniques, preventing cross-contamination, and preserving sterile laboratory conditions at all times.
• Monitor and verify the proper operation of microbiology laboratory equipment, including incubators, ovens, autoclaves, filtration systems, and other auxiliary equipment, reporting any deviations or malfunctions as required.
• Accurately document microbiological testing results in laboratory logbooks, forms, databases, and internal systems, ensuring data integrity, traceability, compliance, and timely communication of results to relevant stakeholders.

Required Education / Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biology, or related fields or minimum 5 yrs experience in laboratory.

Experience:

• Experience in QC laboratories performing physicochemical, colorimetric and performance analyses on pigment dispersions.
• Knowledge in the execution, documentation and interpretation of comparative studies, stability, trend analysis and conformity evaluations against standards and specifications.
• Experience in identifying deviations, root cause analysis and technical support for batch release decision-making, as well as in preparing technical reports and certificates of analysis.
• Adherence to standards, guidelines and QMS. Familiarity with ISO 9001, safety practices, chemical handling and analysis of technical documentation (SDS, work instructions, protocols).