QA is a pharma quality assurance post, holders of which are responsible for project management, releasing new batches of drugs and ensuring their quality. The qualifications required are a science degree to be an eligible Qualified Person (a QP as according to EU Directive 2001/83/EC for Medicinal products for human use) along with the relevant experience.

QC is a pharma quality control post in which drug products, including raw materials, are carried out. A science degree is advantageous but not essential, though the successful candidate must have A-level chemistry; previous lab experience is also desirable.