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

Feb 15, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a laboratory instructor, you will need to have at least a bachelor's degree in a field related to the laboratory you will be teaching. This can include biology, chemistry, physics, or other scientific areas.
Pursue Graduate Education. Depending on the laboratory you want to teach, you may need to pursue graduate-level education in the field. For example, if you want to teach a biology lab, you may need to have a master's degree in biology.
Get Certified. Depending on the state, you may need to be certified as a laboratory instructor. This can involve taking an exam or completing a certain number of hours of training in the field.
Obtain Professional Experience. Working in a laboratory setting can help you gain the experience you need to become a laboratory instructor. You can look for internships or volunteer positions in the field.
Apply for Open Positions. Once you have all the necessary education and experience, you can begin looking for open positions as a laboratory instructor. You can search for these positions in job boards or contact local schools or universities.

The lack of reliable and competent laboratory instructors can have a detrimental effect on the quality of the education students receive. Without knowledgeable and experienced leaders, students may not be exposed to the most up-to-date laboratory techniques or receive adequate guidance on their experiments. Furthermore, due to a lack of quality instruction, students may not have the necessary skills and confidence to build upon their knowledge and apply it to real-world situations. Ultimately, this can lead to a reduction in the number of qualified scientists and researchers in the field, as well as a decrease in the overall quality of scientific research.

You may want to check Laboratory Analyst, Laboratory Technician II, and Laboratory Scientist for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and deliver laboratory sessions for students, including lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
Prepare and set up laboratory experiments and equipment for student use.
Ensure that laboratory experiments are conducted safely and according to established protocols.
Monitor student progress and provide feedback on laboratory performance.
Grade work, assign grades, and submit class evaluations.
Maintain accurate records of student attendance and grades.
Maintain and update laboratory materials and equipment.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations in the laboratory at all times.
Train, supervise, and mentor undergraduate laboratory assistants.
Develop course materials, such as laboratory manuals and handouts.
Stay abreast of current trends in the field, and incorporate new techniques into course curriculum.
Participate in professional development activities, such as workshops and conferences.
Collaborate with faculty members on research projects.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of laboratory protocols and procedures
Ability to communicate effectively with students and colleagues
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Knowledge of safety regulations and standards
Ability to explain and demonstrate scientific principles
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues
Ability to maintain accurate records
Familiarity with laboratory equipment and instruments
Ability to interpret results and make recommendations
Knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures
Strong organizational skills
Ability to motivate and inspire students
Knowledge of computer applications for laboratory analysis

Good communication is an essential skill for a laboratory instructor. The ability to explain complex concepts to students in a clear and concise way is critical for successful instruction. the instructor should be able to effectively manage a classroom of students, including the ability to handle any issues that arise in a timely and professional manner.

It is also important for a laboratory instructor to have knowledge of the various lab equipment and safety protocols that must be adhered to in order to ensure a safe learning environment. Finally, having a solid understanding of the subject matter being taught, as well as the ability to think critically and problem solve, are essential qualities in any successful laboratory instructor. All of these skills combined will lead to successful instruction and ultimately better learning outcomes for students.

Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Coordinator, and Laboratory Chemist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a laboratory as an instructor?
How would you describe your teaching style?
Describe a laboratory lesson you have taught before and what made it successful.
What strategies do you use to ensure student understanding of the lab material?
How do you ensure safety in the laboratory environment?
What challenges have you faced when teaching laboratory classes in the past?
Have you ever had to troubleshoot or modify lab equipment or experiments? If so, how did you handle this situation?
How do you motivate students to participate in lab sessions?
How do you incorporate current research and technology into your teaching?
How do you assess student performance in the lab?

Common Tools in Industry

Analytical Balance. An instrument used to accurately measure mass of a sample. (eg: A lab technician uses an analytical balance to measure the mass of a solution before and after a reaction. )
Microscope. An optical instrument used to magnify and observe small objects. (eg: A biologist uses a microscope to observe and analyze cell structures. )
Bunsen Burner. A device used to create a flame for heating and sterilizing materials. (eg: A lab instructor uses a Bunsen burner to heat a solution as part of an experiment. )
Centrifuge. A device used to separate mixtures of liquids by spinning them at high speeds. (eg: A lab technician uses a centrifuge to separate a mixture of blood and serum. )
Autoclave. An apparatus used to sterilize equipment and materials. (eg: A lab instructor uses an autoclave to sterilize glassware before an experiment. )
pH Meter. An instrument used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. (eg: A lab technician uses a pH meter to measure the pH of a water sample. )
Hot Plate. An apparatus used to heat substances at a constant temperature. (eg: A lab instructor uses a hot plate to heat a solution before adding reagents. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Microbiology
American Association for Clinical Chemistry
American Physical Society
American Chemical Society
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
National Science Teachers Association
American Association of Physics Teachers
American Society for Quality
National Association of Biology Teachers
National Council of Science and Technology Education

We also have Food Science Laboratory Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician, and Laboratory Support Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Curriculum. The set of courses, educational materials, and learning activities offered by an educational institution.
Laboratory. A facility where experiments and other scientific activities are conducted.
Experiment. A scientific procedure that tests a hypothesis or theory in order to determine its validity.
Instructional Design. The systematic development of instructional materials and activities based on learning objectives.
Student-Centered Learning. An approach to education where the students are active participants in the learning process and are given the opportunity to explore and develop their own understanding of the material.
Assessment. The process of gathering data about student learning in order to measure progress and identify areas for improvement.
Collaborative Learning. A teaching method where students work together in small groups or pairs to solve problems, explore ideas, and create new understandings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications does a Laboratory Instructor need?

A Laboratory Instructor typically needs a Bachelor's degree in a science-related field, such as Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. They also need to have knowledge and experience in the laboratory setting.

What type of experience do Laboratory Instructors have?

Laboratory Instructors typically have experience in both teaching and working in a laboratory setting. They have experience performing experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results.

What type of tasks do Laboratory Instructors perform?

Laboratory Instructors are responsible for teaching students how to use laboratory equipment, performing laboratory experiments, and evaluating the results. They also help students understand scientific concepts through lectures and demonstrations.

How long does it take to become a Laboratory Instructor?

Becoming a Laboratory Instructor usually takes at least 4 years of college education and experience in the laboratory setting.

What are the benefits of becoming a Laboratory Instructor?

Becoming a Laboratory Instructor provides an opportunity to combine teaching and research, as well as opportunities for professional development and advancement. Additionally, it can be a rewarding and stimulating career.