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How exposed to AI is a Quality Control Analyst?

Of the 26 tasks O*NET lists for quality control analysts, 7 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 7 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Lab AnalystLab Technician (Lab Tech)Laboratory AnalystMicrobiology Lab AnalystQA Auditor (Quality Assurance Auditor)QA Lab Tech (Quality Assurance Lab Technician)QA Tech (Quality Assurance Technician)Quality Control Analyst (QC Analyst)Quality Control Lab Technician (QC Lab Tech)Quality Control Technician (QC Tech)
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
26
tasks rated for this occupation
28%
hold a degree, from a survey of only 19
62k
people do this job in the US
31 of 60
least protected in science

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

7
  • Compile laboratory test data and perform appropriate analyses
  • Write technical reports or documentation, such as deviation reports, testing protocols, and trend analyses
  • Investigate or report questionable test results
  • Write or revise standard quality control operating procedures
  • Perform validations or transfers of analytical methods in accordance with applicable policies or guidelines
  • Develop and qualify new testing methods
  • Evaluate new technologies and methods to make recommendations regarding their use

Only with software built on top

12
  • Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release
  • Complete documentation needed to support testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms
  • Identify and troubleshoot equipment problems
  • Monitor testing procedures to ensure that all tests are performed according to established item specifications, standard test methods, or protocols
  • Identify quality problems and recommend solutions
  • Participate in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommend corrective actions
  • Train other analysts to perform laboratory procedures and assays
  • Supply quality control data necessary for regulatory submissions
  • Evaluate analytical methods and procedures to determine how they might be improved
  • Prepare or review required method transfer documentation including technical transfer protocols or reports
  • Review data from contract laboratories to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance
  • Coordinate testing with contract laboratories and vendors

Cannot be sped up

7
  • Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples
  • Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment
  • Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained
  • Perform visual inspections of finished products
  • Receive and inspect raw materials
  • Serve as a technical liaison between quality control and other departments, vendors, or contractors
  • Participate in internal assessments and audits as required
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.