Occupation
Laboratory technician
Laboratory technicians run the tests and keep the laboratory working: preparing samples, operating equipment, and recording results against defined procedures. The role is procedural by design, because reliability of the method is the point. It is one of the most common ways into scientific work without a research degree.
Also known as: Lab technician · Lab assistant · Science technician
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Occupation content
Part of Natural sciences and research
A visual day in the work
What the work involves
Receive, label, and prepare samples so they can be traced back to their source
Run routine tests following standard operating procedures
Calibrate, clean, and carry out basic maintenance on laboratory instruments
Enter results into laboratory information systems and flag anomalies to a supervisor
Manage stock of reagents and consumables and dispose of waste to protocol
Support scientists by setting up experiments and preparing solutions
Entry-route stepper
How people commonly enter
A college diploma or certificate in laboratory technology or applied science
An entry-level trainee or assistant post with structured on-the-job training
A science degree used to enter technician work before specialising further
Vocational qualifications in laboratory skills taken while working in a support role
Typical training: Certificate or college diploma
Licensing: Certification common, not usually required
Work-context map
Typical work context
- Lab or workshop
- Predictable routine
- Team based
- Quiet focus
- Shift work
Lab or workshop · Predictable routine · Team based · Quiet focus · Shift work
Related interests
- Realistic (hands-on)
- Investigative (analytical)
- Conventional (organizing)
Realistic (hands-on) · Investigative (analytical) · Conventional (organizing)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
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Related learning
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Official sources
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
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Natural sciences and research: education pathways
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Natural sciences and research: licensing
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