How to Be Animal Laboratory Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 7, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The role of a laboratory technician in an animal laboratory is vital to the success of the research that takes place. The technician is responsible for providing a safe, controlled environment for performing experiments, as well as caring for the animals used in the experiments. By following protocols, the laboratory technician ensures that experiments yield accurate and reliable results.

the technician must monitor the health and well-being of the animals, and report any changes or signs of distress to the supervising scientist. This contributes to the ethical and humane treatment of animals used in research. The technician must also use specialized equipment to collect data and analyze samples.

Through this work, the technician helps to ensure that the research is conducted in an efficient and ethical manner. laboratory technicians in animal laboratories play a critical role in advancing scientific knowledge and improving animal welfare.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many employers require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent before considering candidates for employment as an animal laboratory technician.
Consider completing a postsecondary education in an animal-related field. Earning an associate's degree in veterinary technology, animal science, biology, or a related field can increase the chances of being hired.
Learn and understand the techniques used in the laboratory. Animal laboratory technicians must be able to understand and execute the procedures used in the lab and be able to follow directions precisely.
Become familiar with the different types of animals used in the laboratory. Animal laboratory technicians must be able to identify the different types of animals used in the laboratory and understand their behavior and needs.
Obtain certification to work as an animal laboratory technician. Certification is voluntary, but some states may require it for employment. Certification programs are available through organizations such as the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
Gain experience by volunteering or working in an animal laboratory. Many employers require applicants to have prior experience in an animal laboratory setting before being hired as a technician.

The role of a laboratory technician in an animal laboratory is a vital one, as they are responsible for ensuring that all animals are cared for correctly, and that scientific experiments are conducted in a responsible and reliable manner. A reliable and capable technician can make all the difference in the success of an animal laboratory; they must possess the knowledge and skills to handle animals, as well as the ability to accurately collect and manage data. Furthermore, they must have excellent communication skills, be able to follow instructions, and be able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Proper training and experience are essential for a laboratory technician to be reliable and capable in their job. The result of having a reliable and capable laboratory technician is an efficient, safe, and humane environment for the animals, as well as accurate and meaningful research results.

You may want to check Receptionist, Veterinary Dermatologist, and Veterinary Immunologist for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor animal health and welfare
Administer treatments and medications to animals
Collect and analyze biological samples
Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies
Perform laboratory tests and experiments
Record and document results in laboratory notebooks
Prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination
Monitor and record animal behavior
Control and monitor environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light
Assist in necropsies and other postmortem examinations
Assist in the development of new animal models for research
Train and supervise laboratory personnel in laboratory safety procedures
Assist in the preparation of research papers, reports, and presentations

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and best practices
Ability to accurately follow instructions and protocols
Proficiency in laboratory equipment operation and maintenance
Ability to collect and interpret data
Knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology
Ability to identify and resolve problems
Knowledge of animal husbandry and nutrition
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks

Having strong technical and laboratory skills is essential for a successful career as a laboratory technician. It is important to have a good understanding of laboratory safety protocols, quality control, and be able to follow instructions accurately. having excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow complex instructions are important qualities for a laboratory technician.

Being able to work well with others is also essential since lab technicians often need to work in teams to produce accurate results. Furthermore, a strong knowledge of computers and software is necessary for working efficiently in the laboratory. Being able to troubleshoot problems, think critically, and solve complex issues are also important skills for a laboratory technician.

Finally, having good communication skills and being able to communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors and clients is essential for success in this field.

Small Animal Veterinarian, Veterinary Physiologist, and Zoological Veterinarian are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with animals in a lab setting?
How would you handle a situation where an animals health is in danger?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision related to animal care.
What methods have you used to ensure the safety of animals in the lab?
How do you stay up-to-date on best practices for animal care and research?
What steps do you take to maintain accurate animal records?
How do you ensure that equipment used in the lab is safe for animals?
Describe how you handle stressful situations in the lab.
In what ways have you contributed to the development of animal care protocols?
What approaches do you use to ensure the humane treatment of animals in the lab?

Common Tools in Industry

Autoclave. A device used to sterilize laboratory equipment and supplies with steam and pressure. (eg: The autoclave is used to sterilize glassware before use in the lab).
Microscope. An optical instrument used to magnify small objects or organisms. (eg: The microscope is used to observe bacteria cultures).
Centrifuge. A device used to separate components of a liquid mixture according to their densities. (eg: The centrifuge is used to separate cells from a biological sample).
Incubator. A device used to maintain a controlled temperature and humidity environment for laboratory specimens. (eg: The incubator is used to culture bacteria).
Pipette. A device used to measure and transfer small volumes of liquids. (eg: The pipette is used to measure the amount of a reagent needed for an experiment).
Spectrophotometer. A device used to measure the concentration of a substance in a solution. (eg: The spectrophotometer is used to measure the amount of protein in a solution).
Balances. A device used to measure mass of objects and samples. (eg: The balance is used to weigh chemicals and reagents for experiments).
Hot Plate. A device used to heat samples and solutions for experiments. (eg: The hot plate is used to heat up samples during a titration).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Laboratory Animal Science (ASLAP)
National Association for Laboratory Animal Science (NALAS)
International Council for Laboratory Animal Science (ICLAS)
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)
Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA)
American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM)
International Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (IAVTE)
Animal Behavior Society (ABS)
World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

We also have Veterinary Microbiologist, Veterinary Dentist, and Veterinary Anesthesia Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Animal Husbandry. The practice of breeding and caring for animals, typically livestock, for the purpose of producing food, fiber, or other products.
Animal Welfare. A concept that aims to improve the quality of life of animals by promoting their health and well-being.
Veterinary Medicine. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries in animals.
Animal Behavior. The study of how animals act and interact with their environment.
Animal Nutrition. The study of how different types of food affect an animal's health and performance.
Laboratory Techniques. The methods used to perform experiments and analyze data in a laboratory setting.
Microbiology. The study of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, and their effects on living organisms.
Pathology. The study of the causes, nature, and effects of diseases in animals.
Immunology. The study of the immune system and its response to foreign substances.
Genetics. The study of heredity, or the transmission of traits from one generation to the next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Animal Laboratory Technician?

An Animal Laboratory Technician is a professional who works in a laboratory setting with animals, providing care and conducting scientific experiments.

What qualifications are necessary to become an Animal Laboratory Technician?

Generally, Animal Laboratory Technicians must have a bachelor's degree in Animal Science or related field, as well as on-the-job training. Some states may require technicians to be certified or licensed.

What duties do Animal Laboratory Technicians perform?

Animal Laboratory Technicians are responsible for providing care for animals in the laboratory, including feeding, grooming, and monitoring the animals' health. They may also assist with conducting scientific experiments, maintaining records and lab equipment, and preparing specimens for analysis.

What is the job outlook for Animal Laboratory Technicians?

The job outlook for Animal Laboratory Technicians is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of animal care and service workers, including Animal Laboratory Technicians, is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029.

What is the average salary for Animal Laboratory Technicians?

The average salary for Animal Laboratory Technicians is $30,380 per year. Salaries can vary depending on level of experience, location, and other factors.