Laboratory technician jobs

Laboratory technicians provide assistance to researchers from a variety of scientific fields so that they may conduct exams and analysis. They are responsible for ensuring that the laboratory and all of the materials are in good condition, which enables the scientists to focus on the task that they are doing in the lab. They make a contribution to the advancement of medical and scientific research and development via the job that they do. In this piece, we will walk you through the steps necessary to become a lab technician, and we will also provide vital career advice, including the usual responsibilities and abilities required for this position.

What does a lab technician do?

In a laboratory setting, a lab technician will carry out quantitative and qualitative analyses, in addition to tests and measurements. In addition to this, they are in charge of creating the reports, documenting the processes and procedures, and taking notes on the findings. They provide assistance to several types of scientists in their job, including chemists, biologists, engineers, technicians, and researchers.

Lab technicians may find employment in the industrial sector, research laboratories, or hospital settings. Some specialists, for instance, carry out chemical analysis or quality control testing on a variety of items, such as the following:

Textiles

Plastics and other types of polymer

Petrochemicals

Food

Cosmetics companies

They often work along with researchers to create new types of materials or to perfect existing manufacturing methods. They are able to give laboratory assistance to scientific professors and the students under their instruction at educational institutions. Laboratory technicians are also employed in the environmental industry, and their duties include conducting chemical and microbiological studies on samples of soil, water, and air.

Lab technician duties

The specific field in which you work as a lab technician will determine the responsibilities that are required of you. The following is a list of the key tasks of a laboratory technician:

Developing hypotheses, designing experiments, and conducting controlled trials

assembling and preparing the various pieces of apparatus and supplies needed for the research, such as centrifuges, pipettes, and pH meters

preparing samples of organic and inorganic materials via the use of cultures, solutions, and samples.

Utilizing several pieces of laboratory equipment

Performing the required qualitative and quantitative analysis together with measurements

ensuring that samples and equipment are kept in a hygienic and consistent environment

The process of gathering and analyzing samples

Performing tasks such as data collection and recording, document analysis and report production

Putting out one's discoveries and results

Performing maintenance on laboratory equipment, such as calibrating and adjusting, cleaning and sterilizing, and testing the instruments, are examples of maintenance activities.

Implementing the necessary safety measures

Carrying out audits of potential dangers

Making sure that all of the necessary supplies, chemicals, reagents, and instruments are available

Keeping track of stocks and submitting purchase requests in a timely manner

Taking care of the disposal of chemicals and laboratory waste

Providing scientific researchers with technological help

How to get a job as a technician in a laboratory

It is necessary to have some level of scientific education in order to work as a laboratory technician. If you are interested in pursuing this line of work, you should consider taking the following steps:

1. Investigate the educational paths available to you.

Even though there is no degree in particular for laboratory technicians, the majority of businesses demand some kind of science-related education or experience. You have the option of obtaining a degree from a university, attending a technical institution, or serving an apprenticeship. The more prepared you are before applying for your first job, the higher your chances will be of being hired at that position. When deciding which of the educational options to pursue, it is important to take into account your own interests, objectives, and history.

2. Earn a degree

One kind of education that might prepare you for a career as a laboratory technician is to get a degree. You may want to think about getting your bachelor's degree in one of the following fields:

Chemistry

Biology

Biotechnology

The study of materials

Engineering of chemical substances

The development of certain scientific knowledge and abilities may be facilitated by engaging with these areas. You also have the option to take lab seminars to educate yourself on the procedures often used in laboratories. The completion of a bachelor's degree might take anywhere from three to four years. During this period, you may choose to participate in an internship or work a part-time job that gives you the opportunity to obtain practical experience in a laboratory setting.

3. Think about getting a high school diploma.

You also have the option of enrolling in a program that will earn you a Higher Diploma (HND), a Higher Certificate of Education (HNC), or a vocational education and training certification (VET). If you already have a bachelor's degree in a subject that is not linked to science, if you are interested in transferring jobs, or if you want to finish both your education and training at the same time, this might be a good route for you to take. The completion of these programs for laboratory technicians normally takes a total of three years. You have the option of attending courses during this time while both working or helping in a laboratory.

4. Consider participating in an internship.

If you are interested in beginning a career as a laboratory technician but did not complete high school, you may want to think about completing an apprenticeship. There are certain apprenticeship programs that demand a particular number of GCSEs or a minimum set of grades from its applicants. This might be different based on the firm, as well as the area. Think about doing research on the local programs available to you to find out more about the exact certifications they provide.

The normal minimum time required to finish an apprenticeship is one year; however, there are opportunities to participate in lengthier programs, some of which may qualify you for more advanced positions. During the course of the program, you will have the opportunity to attend classes and get experience by working in a laboratory.

5. Acquire work experience in your field.

You might begin your job search by applying for entry-level roles as a laboratory technician; however, some of these opportunities can be quite competitive. It is possible that highlighting significant professional experience on your resume may assist you in becoming qualified for further positions and earning an interview for a competitive position.

Some individuals who want to work in laboratories take part in internships. You are free to finish this either over the course of your studies or just after you have your diploma. While you are attending school, you also have the option of doing a part-time job or volunteering.

6. Ensure that your professional development never stops.

Since scientific methods and lab techniques are subject to change over time, you should make an effort to keep current on any innovations that occur in the field of lab technician job or in the particular business in which you are interested in working. You might also join relevant societies and organizations, such as the Institute of Science and Technology, for example. You will have the opportunity to attend conferences, seminars, and other educational activities by joining an organization. These may assist you in developing your talents and gaining experience, both of which can be beneficial to you as you go forward in your career.

7. Look for and submit applications for employment.

Think about developing a new curriculum vitae or modifying the one you already have to showcase your education, skills, and experience. You might also write a cover letter, in which you would explain why you are interested in the job you are looking for and why you would be the ideal candidate for the role.

There are a variety of words that may be used to refer to a lab technician job across companies. When submitting an application, you may choose from any of the following titles:

Technician in training in a laboratory setting

Technician providing help in the laboratory

Laboratory technician in charge of research and development

Technician in charge of quality control in the laboratory

8. Prepare for technical questions

In an interview for this kind of position, it is normal practice to ask questions that are more technical in nature. It is a good idea to go through typical interview questions in advance and practice answering them, particularly if the questions are designed to test your understanding of technical and material qualities, laboratory equipment and processes, and statistical data analysis. You may want to go back to the original job ad in order to have a better understanding of the particular abilities and technical expertise that the business is looking for. When you are getting ready, you should think of specific instances from your own career or school that you can utilize to demonstrate that you have these qualities.

What kind of pay can one expect to make working in a laboratory?

The annual wage of a laboratory technician comes in at a national average of £21,472 per year. There are a number of factors that might influence your pay, including the firm you work for, the region you live in, the level of education you have, and the amount Your income may be affected by factors such as the industry in which you work, such as pharmaceutical research or manufacturing.

Work conditions for laboratory technicians

Because the job that they perform in quality control and testing is so important to the development of so many crucial and daily items, lab technicians may find employment in a wide number of industries.

The following are some examples of organizations that may recruit laboratory technicians:

Environmental agencies

The several government departments and entities responsible for research

Institutions dedicated only to private research as well as specialized consultancies

Universities

hospitals and other medical facilities

Companies that provide essential services, such as water, gas, or electricity

Pharmaceutical firms

Production facilities for chemicals

Companies in the manufacturing sector, including those in the cosmetics, textiles, metal, petroleum, and plastics industries

Businesses specializing on food and beverages

These individuals most often find employment in clinical or research settings, such as hospitals, universities, or research centers. If you work for a company that operates in many countries, you could have the chance to visit those countries or even live there.

Some laboratory technologists operate as independent contractors in their field. You may, for instance, find employment as an agricultural researcher, doing water and soil study for a variety of customers in rural areas. You will have a lot of freedom and variation in this role since you will be able to work with a number of customers and firms as well as construct a team to compete for public sector projects.

Important skills for a lab technician

In order to be successful in their job, laboratory technicians need to be able to combine technical or complicated skills with a variety of interpersonal abilities. The following list of soft skills may come in handy for you as a lab technician:

Skills in both oral and writing communication in order to engage with other members of the team and create reports of analyses

capabilities in both problem-solving and critical thinking

Ability to focus for extended periods of time, together with thoroughness and attention to detail in one's work

Competence in administration and control of available resources

the capacity for working without direct supervision together with initiative

Maintaining exactness and precision in your job

Skills in both contributing to and leading a group effort are required.

Time management abilities

In addition to that, laboratory technicians could additionally need the following technical abilities:

The ability to perform various testing methods and processes

Data entry

Data analysis

Writing of reports

Competence in mathematics

The ability to use computers

A familiarity with the instruments and apparatus used in the lab