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

Dec 18, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The role of a laboratory assistant is essential in a science lab, as they help to ensure the safety of the lab and its personnel. In addition, laboratory assistants are responsible for setting up and breaking down experiments, maintaining equipment, managing supplies, and providing technical support to scientists and students. As a result of their efforts, experiments can be conducted safely and efficiently, allowing for more accurate and reliable results.

Furthermore, laboratory assistants also play an important role in educating students on proper lab safety protocols and procedures, which helps to prevent accidents and injuries in the lab. With the help of laboratory assistants, science labs can remain safe and productive environments for learning and research.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma. The minimum educational requirement for a science laboratory assistant is a high school diploma or equivalent. A diploma in biology, chemistry, or another related field is beneficial.
Pursue Postsecondary Education. Most employers require laboratory assistants to have some postsecondary education in related fields. Completing courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics is beneficial.
Obtain Certification. Certification is not usually required for science lab assistants, but it can be beneficial. Some certifications are available through professional organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
Gain Experience. To become more attractive to employers, laboratory assistants should gain experience in a laboratory setting. This experience can come from an internship, volunteer work, or job shadowing a laboratory technician or assistant.
Find a Job. Laboratory assistants can find jobs in medical laboratories, research laboratories, and other scientific settings. Most employers require applicants to have experience in a lab setting and postsecondary education in a related field.

When working as a laboratory assistant, efficiency is key to success. To be ideal and efficient, it is important to stay organized, be proactive, and remain focused. Proper organization is essential to ensuring that all tasks are completed in a timely manner.

Being proactive means anticipating what needs to be done and taking the initiative to get it done before being asked. Finally, staying focused is important to ensure that the job is completed with precision and accuracy. With these three qualities in mind, laboratory assistants can work efficiently and effectively to ensure that the laboratory runs smoothly.

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Job Description

Prepare and clean laboratory equipment, materials, and areas for research activities.
Monitor laboratory equipment and supplies and order when necessary.
Assist in setting up and conducting laboratory experiments, tests, and demonstrations.
Analyze and record data from laboratory experiments.
Assist scientists and researchers with experiments, data analysis, and other duties.
Ensure that safety regulations and procedures are followed in the laboratory.
Prepare solutions for laboratory experiments as requested.
Monitor the disposal of hazardous materials and waste according to safety guidelines.
Assist with the maintenance of laboratory records and reports.
Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment and supplies.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols
Knowledge of chemical and biological handling
Ability to follow instructions accurately
Knowledge of chemical and biological reactions
Ability to use laboratory equipment and instruments
Knowledge of laboratory data analysis and record keeping
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve
Knowledge of laboratory procedures
Knowledge of data collection techniques

Having good problem-solving skills is essential for a successful career as a Science Laboratory Assistant. One of the primary duties of a Science Laboratory Assistant is to troubleshoot and diagnose issues with laboratory equipment. This requires being able to identify the cause of the problem and determine the best solution.

Excellent problem-solving skills also aid in performing experiments and conducting research. By being able to think critically and analyze data, a Science Laboratory Assistant can develop hypotheses, create experiments to test their theories, and draw accurate conclusions. good communication skills are necessary to be able to effectively communicate results and findings to colleagues and supervisors.

Lastly, strong organizational skills allow a Science Laboratory Assistant to manage their time, prioritize tasks, and maintain a safe and orderly workspace. All of these skills are necessary for a successful career as a Science Laboratory Assistant.

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Frequent Interview Questions

Tell us about your experience with laboratory safety protocols.
How do you stay organized when handling multiple tasks in the laboratory?
What is your experience with preparing and maintaining laboratory equipment?
Describe a situation in which you had to troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
What do you consider to be the most important qualities for a science laboratory assistant?
How do you approach problem-solving in the laboratory?
What experience do you have in following detailed instructions in order to complete assignments?
How do you ensure accuracy when completing laboratory tasks?
Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult customer or colleague in the laboratory setting.
How do you handle stressful situations in the laboratory?

Common Tools in Industry

Scientific Calculator. A device used to perform mathematical calculations. (e. g. Casio FX-991EX Scientific Calculator)
pH Meter. A tool used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. (e. g. Oakton pH 50 Waterproof Meter)
Microscope. An optical instrument used to magnify objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. (e. g. Celestron LCD Digital Microscope)
Safety Equipment. Protective gear used to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel. (e. g. Safety Glasses, Lab Coats and Gloves)
Beakers and Flasks. Glassware used for mixing, heating, and storing solutions. (e. g. Pyrex Beaker and Duran Erlenmeyer Flask)
Hot Plate. A device used to heat solutions in the laboratory. (e. g. Corning Hot Plate Magnetic Stirrer)
Graduated Cylinders. A cylindrical container used for measuring volumes of liquids and solids. (e. g. Pyrex Graduated Cylinder)
Test Tubes and Racks. Containers and holders used to store and mix solutions in the laboratory. (e. g. Karter Scientific Test Tube Set with Rack)
Forceps and Tweezers. Tools used to handle small objects, such as specimens or slides, in the laboratory. (e. g. Curved Forceps and Stainless Steel Tweezers)
Pipettes. A device used to transfer precise volumes of liquids in the laboratory. (e. g. Eppendorf Micropipette)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)
National Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (NSCLS)
American College of Clinical Engineering (ACCE)
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS)
International Clinical Laboratory Educators Network (ICLE-Net)

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Common Important Terms

Autoclave. A device used for sterilizing equipment and supplies using pressurized steam.
Glassware. A catch-all term for any kind of scientific glassware, such as beakers, flasks, test tubes, and measuring cylinders.
Microscope. A device used to magnify objects that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
Reagents. Chemical substances used in a laboratory experiment to detect, measure, generate, or produce other substances.
pH Meter. A device used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
Centrifuge. A machine used to separate substances of different densities based on centrifugal force.
Bunsen Burner. A device commonly used in a laboratory to produce a flame for heating or sterilizing glassware.
Balances and Scales. Instruments used to measure the weight of objects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to be a Science Laboratory Assistant?

To be a Science Laboratory Assistant, an individual usually needs to have a high school diploma or equivalent and experience working in a laboratory setting.

What tasks do Science Laboratory Assistants typically perform?

Science Laboratory Assistants typically perform a variety of tasks such as preparing specimens for analysis, operating laboratory instruments, maintaining laboratory equipment, and organizing and documenting laboratory results.

What safety protocols must Science Laboratory Assistants follow?

Science Laboratory Assistants must always follow safety protocols such as wearing protective equipment, following safety guidelines, and disposing of hazardous materials properly.

How much do Science Laboratory Assistants typically earn?

The average salary for a Science Laboratory Assistant is around $31,000 per year, however this can vary depending on location and experience.

What kind of environment do Science Laboratory Assistants work in?

Science Laboratory Assistants work in a laboratory setting which includes a variety of environments such as wet labs, dry labs, and clean rooms. They are also typically exposed to hazardous materials.

Web Resources

Science Lab Technician | Grace Lutheran College www.glc.qld.edu.au
Laboratory Science Technician Assistant < Blackhawk Technical catalog.blackhawk.edu
Laboratory Assistant | UCnet - University of California ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu