Job Description

Join a Quality Control Team Where Precision Protects Patients

Quality Control External Sample & Retain Coordinator

Behind every safe and effective medicine is a robust quality process. This opportunity places you at the centre of a busy Quality Control laboratory, where you'll play a vital role in ensuring samples are accurately managed, fully traceable, and handled in compliance with the highest GMP standards.

This is a hands-on laboratory coordination role supporting Quality Control operations within a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. You'll oversee the full lifecycle of QC external and retain samples - from receipt and storage through to shipment and disposal - while working closely with laboratory, warehouse, and quality teams to ensure compliance, audit readiness, and uninterrupted laboratory operations.

If you enjoy organisation, problem-solving, and working in a highly regulated environment where attention to detail truly matters, this could be an excellent next step in your quality career.

What you'll achieve (and why it matters):

You'll become a key part of the Quality Control function by:

• Coordinating QC external sample management from receipt through to shipment
• Managing retain samples throughout their lifecycle, including storage, tracking, reconciliation, and disposal
• Acting as the primary point of contact for QC sample management activities
• Preparing shipping documentation and coordinating sample movement between laboratory and warehouse areas
• Maintaining accurate records using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Reconciling physical sample inventories against electronic records and investigating discrepancies
• Monitoring sample storage locations including freezers, refrigerators, and controlled storage areas
• Supporting the maintenance and oversight of sample storage equipment and cleaning schedules
• Assisting with sample-related investigations, deviations, and non-conformance activities
• Supporting internal and regulatory audits by maintaining compliant documentation and records
• Preparing, reviewing, and maintaining GMP documentation in accordance with quality procedures
• Participating in continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen laboratory processes
• Collaborating with Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and Warehouse teams to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient laboratory operations

Your edge (desired, not required):

• Third-level qualification in Science, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Quality, or a related discipline
• Experience working within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device environment
• Previous experience in Quality Control, laboratory administration, sample coordination, or quality support
• Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or similar laboratory software
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Exceptional attention to detail with a commitment to accurate documentation
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across multiple departments
• Experience supporting audits, investigations, or quality management systems is advantageous
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement methodologies is beneficial

Why this role matters:

Every sample managed correctly contributes to product quality, regulatory compliance, and ultimately patient safety. Your work will help ensure laboratory operations run smoothly while maintaining the integrity and traceability required in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

This role offers excellent exposure to Quality Control systems, GMP documentation, laboratory operations, audit preparation, and quality processes, providing valuable experience for those looking to build a long-term career in pharmaceutical quality, laboratory operations, or quality assurance.

Next step:

If this opportunity is of interest, please send your CV to danielle.johnson@nextgeneration.ie or apply on our website.

All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.

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