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

Apr 7, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When laboratory technicians are hired for a position, it can have a positive effect on the overall productivity of a laboratory. As a Laboratory Technician II, they are responsible for setting up experiments and conducting tests on samples in order to obtain accurate results. This position requires knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, analytical techniques, and the ability to work with advanced laboratory equipment such as microscopes and spectrophotometers.

With their specialized knowledge and experience, they are able to provide accurate results quickly and accurately, allowing scientists to move to the next stage of the experiment or research more quickly. since they are more familiar with the lab equipment, they often provide maintenance and repairs as needed, saving the lab money in the long run.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many laboratory technician positions require at least a high school education. Many employers may also prefer applicants who have some college credits or an associate degree in a related field.
Participate in an internship or gain relevant experience. Many laboratory technician positions are entry-level, but having relevant experience can give applicants an edge during the hiring process. This experience can be obtained through volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs in laboratories or medical offices.
Become certified. Certification is not always required, but it can demonstrate knowledge and commitment to the profession. Certification may be offered through professional organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) or the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB).
Take on additional duties. As a lab technician advances in their career, they may be able to take on additional duties such as supervising other technicians or maintaining and repairing lab equipment. This can help demonstrate an individuals leadership capabilities and knowledge of lab procedures.
Earn a bachelors degree in a related field. Depending on the employer, some laboratory technician positions may require a bachelors degree in a related field such as biology, chemistry, or medical technology. A bachelors degree can also help individuals advance their career and earn higher salaries.

Having a reliable and qualified Laboratory Technician II can significantly improve the safety and accuracy of laboratory experiments. Not only does a qualified Technician have the knowledge and expertise to operate and maintain the equipment, but they are also able to anticipate potential issues and take the necessary steps to prevent them from happening. Furthermore, they can properly identify any issues which may arise, ensuring that solutions are found quickly and efficiently.

Professional qualifications also mean that the Technician is able to interpret results accurately and effectively, providing the best and most reliable information to those working in the laboratory. the presence of a qualified Technician II can provide peace of mind for those working in the laboratory and help ensure the safety of all involved.

You may want to check Laboratory Analyst, Medical Laboratory Technician, and Veterinary Laboratory Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Setup, maintain, and operate laboratory instruments and equipment.
Perform laboratory tests and experiments according to established protocols.
Record and analyze data from experiments and prepare reports.
Monitor laboratory safety procedures and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Assist in the development of new laboratory techniques and methods.
Maintain laboratory supplies and materials inventory.
Order laboratory supplies and materials as needed.
Calibrate and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment.
Prepare reagents, media, and solutions for laboratory experiments.
Transfer data to computers for storage and report generation.
Prepare cultures, slides, and samples for examination.
Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment and instruments.
Perform quality control checks on laboratory samples and results.
Participate in research projects as directed by scientist or supervisor.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of laboratory quality control procedures
Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment
Ability to perform routine laboratory tests and analyses
Ability to accurately record, interpret and report test results
Knowledge of safety procedures in the laboratory
Knowledge of laboratory sample collection, handling and processing techniques
Ability to analyze data and draw conclusions
Ability to troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation problems
Ability to develop and validate laboratory procedures
Ability to work independently in a laboratory environment

Laboratory Technician II is a demanding role that requires a variety of technical and interpersonal skills. The most important skill for a Laboratory Technician II is detailed knowledge of laboratory equipment, procedures, and safety protocols. Having this knowledge helps to ensure that lab experiments are conducted safely and accurately.

it is important for a Laboratory Technician II to be organized and detail-oriented in order to keep track of information, maintain a clean work environment, and ensure that experiments are conducted properly. In addition to technical knowledge, Laboratory Technician IIs must also have strong interpersonal skills in order to effectively communicate with colleagues and supervisors. Communication skills are essential for providing accurate and timely updates on the progress of various experiments, as well as troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

By possessing these skills, Laboratory Technician IIs can ensure that all laboratory experiments are conducted safely, accurately, and efficiently.

Laboratory Instructor, Laboratory Coordinator, and Clinical Laboratory Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a laboratory setting?
Describe your experience with operating and maintaining laboratory equipment.
How would you handle a situation where safety regulations were not followed in the lab?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy and precision in laboratory data?
What challenges have you faced in your previous laboratory positions?
How do you stay organized and prepared for experiments?
What protocols do you follow for quality control and data analysis?
What methods do you use to ensure accurate record keeping in the lab?
How do you stay up to date with new developments in the lab technology field?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue with laboratory equipment.

Common Tools in Industry

pH Meter. Used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution (e. g. testing levels of acidity in water samples).
Centrifuge. Used to separate substances through centrifugal force (e. g. separating serum from whole blood).
Microscope. Used to magnify and analyze physical samples (e. g. examining microorganisms in a sample).
Balance Scale. Used to measure the weight of a sample (e. g. determining the mass of a compound or mixture).
Autoclave. Used to sterilize equipment and materials (e. g. sterilizing laboratory glassware).
Hot Plate Stirrer. Used to heat and stir samples (e. g. mixing solutions at a specific temperature).
Graduated Cylinder. Used to measure the volume of a liquid (e. g. measuring the amount of a reagent).
Spectrophotometer. Used to measure the intensity of light (e. g. measuring the concentration of a compound in a solution).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB)
Association for Clinical Scientists (ACS)
Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA)
American Board of Clinical Chemistry (ABCC)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC)

We also have Food Science Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Manager, and Laboratory Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Microscopy. The use of a microscope to examine objects, organisms, materials, and substances on a microscopic level.
Chromatography. A technique used to separate and identify components of a mixture based on their chemical properties.
Spectroscopy. A technique used to analyze the composition of a sample by measuring its spectrum of electromagnetic radiation.
Biochemistry. The study of the chemical processes and substances in living organisms.
Immunology. The study of the bodys immune system, including its structure, function, diseases, and responses to foreign substances.
Molecular Biology. The study of the structure, function, and evolution of molecules in living organisms.
Microbiology. The study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Cell Culture. The process of growing cells in a laboratory setting for research or medical purposes.
Animal Handling. The safe care and handling of animals in research or medical settings.
Data Analysis. The process of examining and interpreting data to make decisions or draw conclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of a Laboratory Technician II?

A Laboratory Technician II is responsible for performing a variety of laboratory tests and procedures, such as conducting tests on blood, tissue and other samples, to analyze the composition and quality of specimens. They may also be responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment and ensuring safety protocols are followed.

What qualifications are needed to become a Laboratory Technician II?

To become a Laboratory Technician II, individuals must typically have an associate degree in a related field, such as medical laboratory technology, or have completed a formal training program. They must also have experience in a laboratory setting and be proficient in using laboratory instrumentation.

What duties does a Laboratory Technician II perform?

Laboratory Technician IIs are responsible for performing various laboratory tests and procedures. This can include collecting and analyzing samples, monitoring test results, documenting data, and maintaining accurate records. In addition, they may also be responsible for calibrating and operating laboratory equipment, preparing solutions, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.

What kind of environment does a Laboratory Technician II typically work in?

Laboratory Technician IIs typically work in sterile laboratory settings, such as hospitals, research laboratories, or public health facilities. They may also work in clinical or industrial settings.