Quality Lab Assistant

• Position Overview:

Key Responsibilities

A. Laboratory Sample Analysis

1. Conduct routine analysis of tea samples, tobacco samples and lime samples as per approved testing procedures.
2. Perform quality testing of raw materials, semi-finished goods and finished products.
3. Check product quality parameters as per approved specifications and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
4. Record test observations, analytical results and deviations accurately.
5. Inform the reporting officer immediately about any abnormal results or quality deviations.

B. Packaging Material Testing

1. Inspect and test incoming packaging materials as per approved quality standards.
2. Check tea packaging materials, paper quality, printing, dimensions, sealing suitability and other applicable specifications.
3. Verify packaging material quality before approval for production use.
4. Identify and report damaged, defective or non-conforming packaging materials.

C. Inward Material Inspection

1. Carry out quality checks of incoming raw materials and packaging materials.
2. Verify material identification, batch details, supplier details and accompanying documents.
3. Collect samples according to the approved sampling procedure.
4. Maintain inward inspection records and communicate acceptance or rejection recommendations to the concerned officer.

D. Online In-Process Quality Control (IPQC)

1. Perform online inspection and quality checking of finished products during production and packaging.
2. Monitor product quality and packaging parameters at defined intervals.
3. Check packaging integrity, sealing, coding, batch details, net quantity and other applicable parameters.
4. Report deviations to the production and quality teams and follow up on corrective actions.

E. Chemical Stock Management

1. Maintain an updated stock register of laboratory chemicals and reagents.
2. Monitor chemical consumption, stock availability and expiry dates.
3. Ensure proper labelling, storage and handling of chemicals.
4. Inform the reporting officer about low stock, expired chemicals or damaged containers.
5. Follow applicable chemical safety and disposal procedures.

F. Documentation and Daily Reporting

1. Fill daily laboratory reports, analysis reports and inspection records accurately.
2. Prepare daily sample analysis reports for raw materials, semi-finished goods and finished products.
3. Maintain sample registers, inward inspection records, packaging inspection records and chemical stock registers.
4. Ensure traceability of samples through batch numbers, dates and relevant identification details.
5. Maintain laboratory records systematically and make them available during audits and inspections.

G. Food Safety, Hygiene and Laboratory Practices

1. Follow applicable food safety requirements, company hygiene standards and laboratory SOPs.
2. Maintain cleanliness and good housekeeping in the laboratory and sampling areas.
3. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while handling samples and chemicals.
4. Prevent cross-contamination during sample collection, testing and handling.
5. Ensure proper segregation, labelling and storage of samples, chemicals and laboratory waste.
6. Follow calibration and verification requirements for laboratory instruments as instructed.
7. Support internal audits, external inspections and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

3. Required Skills and Competencies

• Basic knowledge of laboratory testing methods and analytical procedures.
• Understanding of raw material, finished product and packaging quality checks.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory instruments, chemicals and reagents.
• Good documentation, record-keeping and reporting skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in sample analysis.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, GMP and SOP compliance.
• Ability to identify and report quality deviations.
• Basic computer skills, including MS Excel and daily report preparation.
• Ability to coordinate with production, stores and quality teams.

4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Accuracy and reliability of laboratory test results.
2. Timely completion of sample analysis and daily reports.
3. Completion of online quality checks as per the prescribed schedule.
4. Accuracy and completeness of laboratory records.
5. Timely identification and reporting of quality deviations.
6. Compliance with laboratory safety, hygiene and food safety requirements.
7. Proper maintenance of chemical stock and prevention of avoidable stock expiry.
8. Timely inspection and reporting of incoming raw materials and packaging materials.

5. General Responsibilities