QC Lab Apprentice

About Waterford

For more than 20 years, our Waterford team has continued to grow and diversify to serve patients around the world. Today, a team of almost 800 work together at a state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical and medical device campus. Recognised through multiple local and national awards, Sanofi Waterford offers flexible working and access to a world of opportunities to grow your career at one location. As well as attractive benefits, the team enjoy access to an onsite gym and medical centre that underpin a strong commitment to health and wellbeing.

About the job

Are you looking to kick start a career in science working for a world leader in the Biopharmaceutical Industry, and get an opportunity to progress your education while getting paid?

Why not consider the QC Laboratory Apprenticeship programme with the Quality Control team in Sanofi, Waterford? 

The programme is designed for those who wish to develop a career in a laboratory environment where employment is set to grow significantly over the next 3-5 years.  

Sanofi Waterford is ideally placed to facilitate, mentor and nurture new talent.  During term time you would work 3 days per week in our laboratory learning on the job while spending 2 days per week with our education partner, SETU.

Our Team:

The QC Chemistry Department are responsible for analysing raw material, in-process, finished product and stability samples to support product release and stability from the Waterford site.

About growing with us

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion the apprentice will be able to:

Knowledge:

• Understanding the principles of cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) which are in operations in Biopharmachem

• Understanding the Quality Systems that are in place and their importance

• Understanding change control systems

• Understanding Safe Laboratory and Work Practices/Methods

• Knowledge of the analytical lifecycle management

• Understand the Audits processes E.g., housekeeping, Internal Supplier, Regulatory and Customer audits

• Knowledge of the variety of testing involved in raw material, in-process, finished product and stability samples and how to conduct same in accordance to predetermined specifications

• Understanding the importance of recording results in a timely and accurate fashion

• Knowledge of maintaining PPE and the process of reporting defects

• Understanding the correct labelling of laboratory reagents and samples

• Knowledge “out of specification” investigations and “Lab Investigations Reports” process

• Knowledge of the purchase systems of QC consumables and liaising with approved suppliers

• Understanding the various steps in the production process – upstream and downstream

• Knowledge of calibration of laboratory equipment as required

Skills:

• Operating company equipment and instruments effectively and according to standard operating procedures

• Ability to work in a safe manner within a laboratory and work setting

• Ability to perform a wide range of chemistry techniques to include but not limited to the use of Pipettes, Auto-Titrations, Ph, weighing, diluting to volume, Volumetric calculations, Karl Fischer, Thin Layer Chromatography and physical testing, HPLC

• Ability to handle all laboratory and production materials and other materials according to safety instructions and analytical methods so as not to endanger him/herself, others or the environment

Soft skills:

• Communicate effectively using a full range of skills: speaking; listening; writing; body language; presentation

• Work and interact effectively within a team

• Work independently and take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks

• Understand impact of work on others, especially where related to diversity and equality

• Time management and ability to complete work to schedule

• Ability to handle change and respond to change management processes

About you

Entry requirements:

• Pass (minimum Grade 06) in 5 Leaving Certificate subjects one of which must be maths and a science subject

• 250 CAO points

Or

• Level 6 Qualification in a related discipline

Or

• Mature student