Laboratory Technician
What is the work like?
Laboratory technicians support scientists in areas such as forensic science and scientific analysis, the health service and in education.
As a lab technician, you could be involved in diagnosing diseases, measuring levels of pollution, developing new products, or carrying out specialised techniques like those concerned with infertility and conception.
Whichever area you work in, your main duties are likely to include:
- setting-up experiments or investigations
- collecting samples
- preparing solutions, cultures or specimens
- analysing samples
- recording and presenting data
- ordering and controlling stock
- making sure equipment is clean and in good working order.
In an education setting, you would also set up equipment and create and demonstrate experiments.
You would usually work in a team including scientists and other technicians. With experience you may also supervise lab support workers or junior technicians.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will usually need at least four GCSEs (A-C), including science, maths and English. Many employers will also prefer you to have relevant A levels or a BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Applied Science.
Increasingly, you will also need lab work experience and qualifications such as a BTEC HNC/HND or degree in a science-based subject, such as biomedical science, chemistry, physics or biology. You can search for foundation degree, BTEC HND and degree course providers on the UCAS website.
To get on to a degree you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) and two or three A levels. Check with course providers for details because alternative qualifications may also be accepted.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually receive regular on-the-job training from your employer to help you keep up-to-date with new lab techniques. You may also be encouraged to work towards qualifications such as:
- NVQ Level 2 in Clinical Laboratory Support
- NVQ levels 2, 3 or 4 in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities
- a foundation degree, for example in biomedical and laboratory science or technical support in labs.
Achieving a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree-level qualification could help your career prospects.
As a lab technician in a school, you could access professional development courses through the CLEAPSS School Science Service. Being a member of the Association of Science Education (ASE) would also give you access to useful resources.
Where can I go for more information?
College LaneHatfield
Hertfordshire
AL10 9AA
Tel: 01707 283000
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282167
Uxbridge
UB8 3PQ
Tel: 01895 251496
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for lab technicians can be between £13,000 and £16,000 a year.
- With experience and qualifications this can rise to between £20,000 and £25,000.
Salaries can be higher in the private sector, especially in high-technology areas. Larger private companies usually pay more than smaller companies.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 37.5 hours a week as a full-time lab technician. Working within the NHS, you may need to work shifts and an on-call rota.
You will generally work in sterile lab conditions and wear protective clothing to prevent contamination and protect you from hazardous substances. In some industries, you would also be involved in carrying out fieldwork, which could include some travel.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good practical and technical skills
- the ability to plan your own workload
- an enquiring and analytical mind
- accuracy and attention to detail
- the ability to meet deadlines
- a methodical approach to your work
- strong problem solving skills
- good maths and IT skills
- good communication skills
- the ability to work alone and in a team
- the ability to supervise and support junior staff.
What opportunities are there?
You can find jobs with a wide range of organisations in both the private and public sectors such as:
- laboratories of non-governmental agencies (for example, the Environment Agency or English Nature)
- universities, colleges and schools
- hospitals and public health laboratories
- forensic science laboratories.
With experience you could progress to team manager or lab supervisor, or specialise in complex analysis work. Alternatively you could use your lab skills to move into scientific research, although you are likely to need a Masters degree or PhD for this.
Jobs can be advertised in the local and national press, in journals such as Nature, and New Scientist and on websites such as NHS Jobs.
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