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

Jun 25, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When a Laboratory Technician is hired in a research lab, it has a tremendous impact on the progress of the research. This person is responsible for maintaining lab safety standards and ensuring that all materials and equipment are in proper working order. They also play an important role in collecting and analyzing data, as well as ensuring the accuracy of the results.

With their help, the research team can move forward in the development of new products or treatments and make significant advancements in their field. In addition, having a Laboratory Technician on staff helps to ensure that the research lab is running efficiently and that experiments are being conducted in a safe and effective manner.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. To become a research laboratory technician, you must first have a high school diploma or GED.
Consider Getting a Degree. You may want to consider getting an associates degree in a field related to biology, chemistry, or another science. This will help you develop the skills necessary to work as a research laboratory technician.
Get Hands-On Experience. It is important to gain hands-on experience in a laboratory setting. You can do this by participating in internships while in school or by finding a job in a laboratory.
Find a Position as a Research Laboratory Technician. Once you have obtained your degree and gained experience in a laboratory, you can start applying for jobs as a research laboratory technician.
Obtain Certification. Depending on the position you are applying for, you may need to obtain certification from an organization such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science or the National Credentialing Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel. This will demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field.
Keep Up with Developments. To stay competitive in the field, it is important to stay informed about developments in the field of research laboratory technology. Read industry journals, attend conferences, and keep up with news and trends in the industry.

Having the right skills and competencies is essential for success as a Laboratory Technician. To become skilled and competent, it is important to gain experience by completing internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing. It is also necessary to stay up-to-date on the latest laboratory practices and techniques.

attending conferences, workshops, and taking courses can help keep one informed of the latest developments in the field. Having good communication, time management, and problem-solving skills are also important for succeeding in this role. Finally, having the ability to work both independently and as part of a team is essential for success in this role.

By having the necessary skills and competencies, Laboratory Technicians can excel in their roles and ensure that all research is conducted accurately and efficiently.

You may want to check Laboratory Support Technician, Laboratory Supervisor, and Clinical Laboratory Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Set up and maintain laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, centrifuges, and other instruments.
Prepare and sterilize laboratory equipment and materials.
Conduct routine laboratory tests and analyses, such as cell cultures, chemical reactions, and biochemical assays.
Record and analyze experimental data and compile reports.
Monitor the quality of laboratory results and make adjustments as necessary.
Order and maintain laboratory supplies.
Train new research personnel in laboratory procedures and safety protocols.
Develop and implement laboratory testing protocols.
Participate in ongoing research projects and studies.
Troubleshoot laboratory equipment and suggest repairs or replacements.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and procedures
Knowledge of laboratory instrumentation and equipment
Experience with laboratory techniques and procedures
Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
Ability to assess and troubleshoot laboratory equipment
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations
Knowledge of experimental design and data analysis
Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing situations

Being a laboratory technician requires a variety of skills, but the most important skill is the ability to be organized. Organization allows laboratory technicians to efficiently keep track of the various samples, experiments and documents that are necessary for their job. Without this skill, technicians could easily become overwhelmed by the amount of work they are responsible for.

Furthermore, if a technician is not organized, the results of their work may be inaccurate or incomplete. This can lead to a waste of time since the results must be redone or corrected. an organized laboratory technician is better able to stay on top of deadlines, making sure experiments and analyses are done in a timely manner.

organization is the key to being an effective and successful laboratory technician.

Environmental Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Instructor, and Laboratory Scientist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the research laboratory environment?
How do you stay organized and manage multiple tasks?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a technical issue in the lab.
What safety protocols have you implemented in the lab?
Describe a time when you had to work with difficult chemicals or hazardous materials.
What methods do you use to keep accurate records in the lab?
How do you ensure accuracy when conducting experiments?
How do you handle unexpected results?
Describe a time when you had to collaborate with other research technicians on a project.
What have you done to stay up-to-date with advances in laboratory technology?

Common Tools in Industry

Microscopes. Used to view, magnify, and analyze small objects. (e. g. examining cellular structures)
Centrifuges. Machines used to separate components of a liquid sample by spinning it at high speeds. (e. g. separating blood cells)
pH Meters. Instruments used to measure acidity or alkalinity of a solution. (e. g. measuring the pH of a water sample)
Autoclaves. Devices used to sterilize equipment and instruments. (e. g. sterilizing laboratory glassware)
Bunsen Burners. Tools used to generate heat for experiments. (e. g. heating a test tube)
Refrigerators/Freezers. Used to store samples at low temperatures. (e. g. storing a bacterial culture)
Pipettes. Used to transfer small amounts of liquids accurately. (e. g. measuring out a precise amount of a reagent)
Balances. Used to measure the mass of an object. (e. g. weighing a sample of powder)
Spectrophotometers. Instruments used to measure light intensity of a sample as it passes through or reflects off of it. (e. g. analyzing protein concentration)
Ovens. Used to dry and heat samples for experiments. (e. g. evaporating a liquid sample)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS)
American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
National Association of Laboratory Accreditation (NALA)
American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB)
American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)
Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS)
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
The American Association for Clinical Pathologists (AACP)

We also have Veterinary Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Technician, and Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Pipette. A small laboratory instrument used to accurately measure and transfer small volumes of liquid.
pH Meter. A device used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, typically ranging from 0-14 on a logarithmic scale.
Microscope. An instrument used to magnify objects, allowing a scientist to observe and examine them in detail.
Chromatography. A technique used to separate and analyze components in a mixture, based on their physical or chemical properties.
Autoclave. An apparatus used to sterilize equipment and media by subjecting them to high pressure steam.
Centrifuge. A machine used to separate particles in a mixture by spinning them at high speeds in a tube.
Incubator. An apparatus used to grow and maintain cultures of microorganisms, typically at a carefully controlled temperature and humidity.
Spectrophotometer. A device used to measure the amount of light absorbed by a sample, typically used in biochemical assays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Research Laboratory Technician?

A Research Laboratory Technician is a professional who works in a laboratory environment to assist in conducting scientific experiments and research.

What qualifications are required for a Research Laboratory Technician?

Qualifications for a Research Laboratory Technician typically include a degree in a scientific field such as biology, chemistry, or physics, as well as experience in laboratory work.

What are the duties of a Research Laboratory Technician?

The duties of a Research Laboratory Technician include setting up laboratory equipment, conducting experiments and tests, analyzing data, and preparing reports.

What type of environment do Research Laboratory Technicians typically work in?

Research Laboratory Technicians typically work in a laboratory environment, which can be either in an academic setting or in a corporate or government research facility.