Scientific laboratory technician

Scientific laboratory technician job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

The work is almost entirely laboratory-based and technicians may work as part of a team of scientific staff.

Typical responsibilities include:

• planning, setting up and undertaking controlled experiments and trials
• recording and analysing data
• demonstrating procedures
• collecting, preparing and/or testing samples
• maintaining equipment
• providing technical support
• presenting results to senior staff
• writing reports, reviews and summaries
• keeping up-to-date with relevant scientific and technical developments
• supervising staff
• managing laboratories.

Typical employers of laboratory technicians

• environmental agencies
• specialist research organisations or consultancies
• universities
• hospitals
• the Civil Service
• water companies
• pharmaceutical companies
• chemical companies.

Early applications are recommended for opportunities with major employers. 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 in journals published by the professional institutions.

Qualifications and trainnig required

A science degree is not always necessary, although good qualifications in appropriate scientific subjects (for example, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, life/medical/physical sciences) will be advantageous. Relevant practical laboratory work experience can also be beneficial.

Key skills for laboratory technicians

• independence
• meticulous attention to detail
• excellent written and oral communication skills
• good team working skills.