How to Be Life Science Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 22, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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A Life Science Technician is an important role in the field of life sciences. This individual is responsible for providing technical support for scientific research, experiments and laboratory work. They assist scientists in conducting their research, analyze data and develop new methodology.

The Life Science Technician's expertise can lead to discoveries and innovations in the life sciences field that have a beneficial effect on society. Their work can affect health care, environmental protection, food production and other areas of science. As a result, the Life Science Technician plays a vital role in advancing the field of life sciences and helping to improve our world.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers require life science technicians to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Take courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. In order to become a life science technician, it is important to have knowledge of the necessary scientific principles. Taking courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics can help to prepare for a career as a life science technician.
Find an internship or apprenticeship. Life science technicians can gain valuable experience by participating in an internship or apprenticeship program. Many universities and colleges offer such programs that allow students to gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
Earn a certificate or degree in a related field. While not required, earning a certificate or degree in a related field can give life science technicians an edge over the competition. Programs in biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and other related fields are available at many universities and colleges.
Seek out employment opportunities. Once educated and experienced, life science technicians can seek out employment opportunities with research institutions, laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and other organizations that require the expertise of trained life science technicians.

The key to becoming a skilled and competent life science technician is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the relevant concepts, processes, and techniques. Obtaining a degree in a relevant field of study is the first step to building the necessary knowledge, as it provides students with a strong foundation in the discipline and teaches them fundamental concepts, theories, and technical skills. it is important to keep up with the latest advances in the field by attending workshops, conferences, and training programs.

Keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies can help life science technicians stay ahead of the competition and remain knowledgeable on the latest trends. Furthermore, having practical experience with various laboratory techniques is essential for any life science technician, as it allows them to apply their knowledge and understand the nuances of different systems and processes. Lastly, having good communication skills is critical for any life science technician to be able to effectively communicate complex concepts and results to their colleagues.

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Job Description

Research Technician: Conduct laboratory experiments in a biological or medical laboratory. Prepare samples, operate laboratory equipment, record data, and analyze results.
Quality Control Technician: Monitor and evaluate the quality of products, materials, or processes in a laboratory setting. Inspect samples, measure parameters, and adjust and calibrate equipment to ensure accuracy.
Lab Technician: Set up, maintain, and repair laboratory equipment. Monitor the supply of materials and reagents and order replacements as needed. Prepare laboratory solutions, cultures, and reagents for experiments.
Animal Care Technician: Provide care for laboratory animals including feeding, cleaning cages, and providing general care. Monitor animal health and report any abnormalities to the laboratory supervisor.
Lab Manager: Supervise laboratory personnel in the setup, maintenance, and operation of laboratory equipment. Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as needed. Ensure that all experiments are conducted according to safety protocols.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of laboratory equipment and tools
Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures
Knowledge of laboratory techniques and protocols
Ability to follow instructions accurately
Ability to analyze data and draw conclusions
Ability to troubleshoot technical problems
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Attention to detail
Ability to maintain accurate records
Computer literacy

Being a successful Life Science Technician requires a wide range of skills and knowledge. Having an understanding of the scientific method, laboratory safety protocols, and laboratory equipment is essential for success. having the ability to work effectively in a team environment is important for completing projects on time.

Good problem-solving skills can be used to troubleshoot any issues that may arise in the laboratory. Furthermore, having good communication skills is essential for communicating with colleagues and providing accurate results. Finally, having a strong attention to detail is necessary to ensure accuracy in data collection and results.

All these skills together contribute to a successful life science technician, enabling them to perform their tasks more efficiently and effectively.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a life science technician?
How do you handle difficult tasks or projects?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy and precision when performing laboratory tasks?
What challenges have you experienced in a laboratory setting?
Describe your experience with operating and troubleshooting laboratory equipment.
How would you handle a situation where accuracy is critical, but you are running out of time?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the life sciences field?
What safety protocols do you follow when working in a laboratory setting?
What methods do you use to ensure data accuracy and consistency?
Describe the most complex research project you have worked on.

Common Tools in Industry

Microscope. A high-powered magnifying device used to view small samples, such as bacteria or tissue samples. (eg: Olympus BX51 microscope)
Centrifuge. A laboratory instrument used to separate mixtures of substances through centrifugal force. (eg: Eppendorf 5417R Centrifuge)
pH Meter. An instrument used to measure the acidity or alkalinity (pH) of a liquid or solution. (eg: Oakton pH 1100 Meter)
Spectrophotometer. An instrument used to measure the amount of light absorbed by a sample. (eg: Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 2000C Spectrophotometer)
Gel Electrophoresis Apparatus. A laboratory device used to separate molecules based on size and charge. (eg: Bio-Rad Mini-Sub Cell GT Gel Electrophoresis Apparatus)
Autoclave. A device used to sterilize laboratory instruments and materials using steam and pressure. (eg: Tuttnauer EZ10 Autoclave)
PCR Machine. A laboratory instrument used to amplify small amounts of DNA for research and diagnostic purposes. (eg: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System)
Microplate Reader. An instrument used to measure the absorbance, fluorescence, or luminescence of samples in a microplate format. (eg: BioTek Synergy Neo2 Microplate Reader)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Society for Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (SIMB)
American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB)
International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER)
American Society of Cell Biology (ASCB)

We also have Life Settlement Broker, Life Sciences Research Associate, and Life Sciences Regulatory Specialist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Microbiology. The study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Cell Culture. The process of growing cells in an artificial environment, usually in a laboratory.
Molecular Biology. The branch of biology that deals with the structure, function, and regulation of molecules associated with living organisms.
Genetics. The branch of biology that deals with the study of genes and their effects on heredity and evolution.
Biochemistry. The branch of chemistry that deals with the chemical processes that occur within living organisms.
Immunology. The branch of biology that deals with the study of the immune system, its structure and function.
Chromatography. The separation of a mixture based on its components by passing it through a stationary phase.
Electrophoresis. The separation of particles based on their size and charge by passing an electric current through them in a medium.
Spectroscopy. The branch of science that deals with the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation.
Histology. The branch of science that deals with the microscopic study of tissues and cells.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Life Science Technician?

A Life Science Technician is a professional who performs technical tasks related to life sciences, such as biology, biochemistry, and genetics. They may conduct laboratory experiments, collect data, and monitor laboratory equipment.

What qualifications are necessary for a Life Science Technician?

To become a Life Science Technician, a person must typically have a bachelor's degree in a life science field such as biology, biochemistry, or genetics. Additional qualifications such as laboratory experience or certification may be beneficial.

What skills are necessary for a Life Science Technician?

A Life Science Technician should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills as well as an in-depth knowledge of relevant scientific principles and protocols. They should also be detail-oriented and possess excellent communication and organizational skills.

What duties does a Life Science Technician typically perform?

Life Science Technicians typically perform a variety of tasks such as conducting laboratory experiments, collecting data, monitoring laboratory equipment, preparing specimens, and analyzing results. They may also be responsible for providing technical support to scientists and other professionals.

What is the average salary of a Life Science Technician?

The average salary for a Life Science Technician is around $42,000 per year. Salary may vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.

Web Resources

Life Science Technician I - Stanford University Careers careersearch.stanford.edu
Life Science Technician - Stanford University Careers careersearch.stanford.edu
Life Science Technician 1 - Stanford University Careers careersearch.stanford.edu