Laboratory Quality Coordinator

Career Guide

A Laboratory Quality Coordinator helps ensure a laboratory produces accurate, reliable results by maintaining quality systems, supporting audits, managing documentation, and driving continuous improvement. The role connects daily lab work with regulatory expectations and customer requirements.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Maintain the laboratory quality management system
Coordinate internal audits and follow-up actions
Support external audits and inspections
Manage document control for procedures and forms
Track and report quality metrics
Coordinate corrective actions and preventive actions
Oversee nonconformance reporting and investigations
Support training records and competency tracking
Assist with method validation documentation
Manage equipment calibration records and maintenance documentation
Handle customer complaints related to lab quality
Promote continuous improvement projects with lab teams

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail

Written Communication

Stakeholder Management

Problem Solving

Time Management

Root Cause Analysis

Corrective Action Management

Audit Readiness

Document Control

Quality Metrics Reporting

Regulatory Compliance

Laboratory Safety Practices

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Quality Specialist

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Systems Coordinator

Laboratory Supervisor

Transition Opportunities

Quality Manager

Quality Assurance Manager

Compliance Manager

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Quality Auditor

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Audit PlanningInvestigation DocumentationChange ControlRisk AssessmentData Integrity PracticesTraining Program Management

Development SuggestionsBuild experience by owning a small audit schedule, leading a simple investigation from report to closure, and maintaining one controlled document set end to end. Ask to co-lead change reviews and present monthly quality metrics to lab leadership.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 50,000 to 65,000 per year

Mid LevelUSD 65,000 to 85,000 per year

Senior LevelUSD 85,000 to 110,000 per year

Growth Trend

Stable to growing demand, driven by increased regulatory oversight, higher expectations for data integrity, and expansion in clinical testing, biotech, and contract laboratory services.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Quest DiagnosticsLabcorpThermo Fisher ScientificEurofins ScientificSGSBureau VeritasCharles River LaboratoriesPfizerMerckJohnson and Johnson

Industry Sectors

Clinical LaboratoriesPharmaceuticalsBiotechnologyMedical DevicesContract Research OrganizationsEnvironmental TestingFood TestingChemical ManufacturingPublic Health LaboratoriesAcademic Research

Recommended Next Steps

Review the quality standards used in your lab and map them to your current tasks

Volunteer to coordinate an internal audit and document the results

Create a simple dashboard for key quality metrics and review it monthly

Practice writing clear nonconformance reports with evidence and timelines

Take a short course in quality management systems and auditing

Update your resume with measurable outcomes such as audit findings closed and documents updated

Build relationships with lab supervisors and safety teams to improve follow-through on actions