In a sector in which maintaining product quality, ensuring patient safety, and compliance with a multitude of regulations are key, Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) roles are integral to the discovery and development of the latest pharmaceutical innovations.  

However, whilst closely related and similarly important, in terms of their key responsibilities, day-to-day focuses, and the key skills people need to thrive within them, QA and QC roles differ and are often confused.  

So, to help those navigating a career in pharmaceuticals, particularly within QA or QC, here we delve into the distinctions between them and their roles, offer an understanding of what it takes to succeed, and explore potential career paths that are key to the future of pharma. 

What Are QA and QC in Pharmaceuticals? 

Quality Assurance is a proactive function that ensures processes, systems, and documentation are in place so that pharmaceutical products are consistently produced to the required quality standards. Rather than testing products, QA focuses on preventing errors through robust systems and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance. 

Quality Control, meanwhile, is a reactive function focused on testing and verification. QC teams analyse raw materials, components, intermediates, and finished products to ensure they meet defined specifications before they reach patients. 

QA and QC roles are essential to safeguarding product integrity, supporting regulatory compliance, and maintaining trust in the medicines supply chain. 

QA vs QC: What’s are the key differences? 

Quality Assurance (QA) 

Quality Control (QC) 

Process‑driven 

Data‑and test‑driven 

Prevents errors 

Identifies and reports errors 

Focus on systems, documentation, audits, & compliance 

Focus on lab testing, analysis, and reporting 

Ensures quality processes exist 

Ensures the product meets specifications 

Involves investigation oversight and change control 

Involves routine & specialised analytical tests 

Often office‑based, with production-floor exposure 

Primarily lab‑based 

QA Careers in Pharmaceuticals 

Roles within pharmaceutical Quality Assurance (QA) are pivotal in safeguarding patient safety and ensuring product quality and reliability across the industry.  

By embedding rigorous standards and robust systems, QA professionals act as gatekeepers of compliance, helping manufacturers meet stringent regulatory requirements and maintain the trust of healthcare providers and, even more importantly, the patients they care for.  

Whether overseeing documentation, managing audits, or driving process improvements that support R&D productivity in pharma, QA specialists play a crucial part in delivering high-quality medicines to the market. 

Key Responsibilities in Pharmaceutical QA 

In pharma, QA teams typically oversee: 

  • GMP compliance and internal audit programmes 

  • Batch record review and product release support 

  • Deviation, CAPA and change control management 

  • Quality systems and documentation (QMS) oversight 

  • Risk management activities 

  • Supplier and external audits 

  • Regulatory inspection readiness and support 

Key Skills for QA Success 

A successful QA professional typically demonstrates: 

  • Strong understanding of GMP and regulatory expectations 

  • Excellent attention to detail and documentation accuracy 

  • Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis abilities 

  • Confident communication and stakeholder influence 

  • Ability to manage conflicting priorities and maintain compliance standards 

  • A proactive mindset focused on preventing quality issues 

Pharma QA Career Opportunities 

Many roles in Pharmaceutical QA offer plenty of opportunities for professional and personal growth and progression, and with experience, candidates can pivot into specialist or leadership tracks. Common career routes include: 

  • QA Officer / QA Associate 

  • QA Specialist / Senior QA Specialist 

  • Quality Systems Lead 

  • QP Trainee (for eligible candidates) 

  • Qualified Person (QP) 

  • QA Manager / QA Lead 

  • Head of Quality / Director of Quality 

For those with an interest in regulatory frameworks, QA roles can also serve as a stepping stone into Regulatory Affairs, Validation, or Compliance & Risk Management, within Pharma or even wide scientific sectors.  

QC Careers in Pharmaceuticals 

Quality Control (QC) roles within the pharmaceutical industry are vital, helping ensure that every product released to the market meets stringent safety, efficacy, and compliance standards.  

As guardians of product quality, QC teams safeguard patient health by rigorously testing materials and finished goods, verifying that they adhere to regulatory requirements and industry best practices.  

This critical function not only supports public trust in medicines, and ensures products are fit for purpose, but also underpins the success and reputation of pharmaceutical organisations. 

Key Responsibilities in Pharmaceutical QC 

QC teams ensure that pharmaceutical products meet safety, purity, and potency standards through analytical testing. Responsibilities include: 

  • Running analytical assays 

  • Sampling and testing raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products 

  • Calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment 

  • Environmental monitoring (in sterile manufacturing environments) 

  • Trend analysis and quality data reporting 

  • Method development or validation (depending on seniority) 

  • Supporting investigations into out-of-specification (OOS) or out-of-trend (OOT) results 

QC roles are hands‑on, lab-based, and ideal for those who enjoy data, problem-solving, and analytical techniques. 

Key Skills for QC Success 

In pharmaceutical QC, those who thrive in their careers will likely have key skills such as: 

  • Solid grounding in analytical chemistry or microbiology 

  • Ability to follow SOPs and conduct testing with precision 

  • Strong documentation and data integrity discipline 

  • Analytical thinking and interpretation of technical data 

  • Ability to work under time pressure while maintaining compliance 

Pharma QC Career Opportunities 

For those working within pharma QC, a career journey typically progresses through technical and supervisory routes, gaining vital experience, expertise and knowledge along the way. Typical career pathways include: 

  • QC Technician / Analytical Chemist / Microbiologist 

  • QC Analyst / Senior QC Analyst 

  • QC Team Leader / Laboratory Supervisor 

  • QC Manager 

  • Laboratory Operations Manager 

  • Head of QC / Director of QC 

With the insight and experience gained in such roles, QC professionals can make the transition into R&D, Validation, QA, or Technical Transfer roles, offering an alternative – but no less rewarding – career route.  

Choosing between Pharmaceutical QA and QC Careers 

When weighing up a career move between Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) in the pharmaceutical sector, it’s important to reflect not only on your skills and career aspirations, but also what interests and excites you.  

If you’re drawn to systems-thinking, compliance oversight, and the proactive prevention of issues, QA may be ideally suited to you, as it focuses on establishing robust processes and ensuring regulatory standards are consistently met throughout the product lifecycle.  

 Alternatively, if you prefer hands-on laboratory work, interpreting scientific data, and conducting rigorous testing, QC could be the better fit, offering the opportunity to directly influence product safety and quality through analytical techniques.  

Either way, both QA and QC offer strong prospects for career progression and will provide opportunities to play a crucial role in safeguarding the health of patients worldwide. The choice ultimately depends on whether you thrive in preventative, system-based roles or enjoy the practical, investigative aspects of scientific testing. 

If you're at the start of your journey, our guide on building a career into Life Sciences offers practical steps to get started.   

Find your next Pharmaceutical Role  

If you’re looking to kickstart or progress your career in Pharmaceuticals, or in roles from across the Life Sciences landscape, SRG are ready to help you take the next step by connecting you with opportunities at industry-leading organisations.