What makes a good lab technician

Vacancies are advertised by recruitment agencies and careers services, in newspapers, in relevant scientific publications such as New Scientist , Science , Nature and Laboratory News and their online equivalents and in journals published by the professional institutions.

Both university graduates and school leavers can become lab technicians. Graduates will need a degree in a relevant scientific subject such as biology, biochemistry, chemistry or physics. They will typically start off as a laboratory technician and work their way up to a more senior research and development role. A school leaver can apply for an apprenticeship or an entry-level role. With experience, a school leaver could progress to a supervisor role in the lab.

To move into a research role, however, you would need to get a degree. To find out about how you can get into this career via a school leaver route eg an apprenticeship or a school leaver training programme , see the science section of TARGETcareers, our website aimed at school leavers.

Careers advice. Job descriptions. Laboratory technician: job description Laboratory technicians support laboratory-based scientific investigations by undertaking a range of routine technical tasks and experiments. Typical employers Qualifications and training Key skills Laboratory technicians are the backbone of a scientific research lab.

Company Culture. Business Certifications. Public Speaking. Frugal Living. Free Stuff. Conserving Resources. Buying Used. Personal Finance. Getting out of Debt. Real Estate.

Places to Live. Running a Home-Based Business. Micro Jobs. Finding a Job. Career Changes. Life Planning. Related Articles. By Geri McClymont. By Megan Garcia. By Eva Wislow.

By Stephen Foster. By Dan Reed. By Jorgie Irby. By Kieron Walker. By Daniel J Owens. By Hedieh Kianyfard. By aa lite. Malcolm agrees 'The work is seldom rigidly structured, you will have deadlines to meet and things to be delivered on time, but how you meet these goals and objectives rarely involves being sat down at a desk or bench for hours or days at a time. To secure a job as a lab technician Gracie advises 'The most important skills you need are time-management, organisation, planning, and independence.

Don't worry if you don't know loads of different protocols and approaches - just show you have an aptitude for learning and picking things up quickly. It's also important to make connections to aid your progression. As a lab technician you get to meet people from all over the university and beyond. Not only academics, but also administrators, technical staff, sales people and event organisers.

People and facilities that have all sorts of interesting knowledge and experiences will surround you. These connections should be used to the best of your advantage. Jobs and work experience Search graduate jobs Job profiles Work experience and internships Employer profiles What job would suit me?

Job sectors Apprenticeships Working abroad Gap year Self-employment. Search postgraduate courses Funding postgraduate study Universities and departments Study abroad Conversion courses Law qualifications. What can I do with my degree? Getting a job CVs and cover letters. Applying for jobs Interview tips Open days and events.

Lab technicians must have a strong background in the sciences, as much of their daily work will deal with chemistry, biology, and physiology. Having knowledge of these subjects is a requirement, but having a passion for them will make the technician stand out. When technicians have a passion for the work, they will perform their job with more success and enthusiasm.

Lab testing and its results can be complicated, and this requires great attention to detail. Sometimes lab testing requires many intricate steps that need to be meticulously performed in order to get them done correctly.

When it comes to these tests, accuracy is everything. Lab technicians that have a great attention to detail will make fewer mistakes and have a higher rate of accomplishing their work tasks. Performing work days consistency is also essential for the work of a lab technician. Much of the work they perform is repetitive, as similar lab tests can be performed all day long if the client needs that.