QA jobs in pharma | 5 key skills

QA jobs in pharma are a steadily growing niche. Quality is the cornerstone of ensuring safe drugs land on the market. In pharmaceuticals, a company’s quality assurance, control and validation really are the lynch pins of developing, manufacturing and marketing drugs that are safe for consumption. To this day, the repercussions of the 1950s Thalidomide tragedy are still felt in families around the world, and has since brought the safety controls of drug production to the forefront of public attention. Since then, rigorous steps have been taken in the life sciences sector to ensure quality across the board.

What skills do you need for a Quality Assurance job in pharmaceuticals?

Firstly, you will need to complete a relevant pharmaceutical or scientific degree. But beyond this, there are several competencies to get a good grasp on before starting a career in Quality. We’ve put together a list of the top 5 skills needed in Quality jobs in Pharmaceuticals:

cGMP Compliance Knowledge

Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) knowledge is a staple in all employees at every level in the life sciences sector. It is a legally enforced regulation that provides the minimum standard that drug manufacturers must meet in their production process. But with the constantly evolving nature of the pharmaceutical industry, it is important to stay current with good practice (cGMP). Whilst many of the roles seek practical experience in a GMP environment, there are training courses available. So, if you are new to the Quality industry, invest in a training course by an accredited industry leader (many of which are available online and for a reasonable price) to get ahead of the game.