Laboratory technician

Laboratory technicians help and support the work of scientists. They set up equipment, prepare and carry out experiments, take measurements and report on their findings. They work in a wide variety of areas, including industry, education, medical science and research institutions.

Work activities

Laboratory technicians are often responsible for the day-to-day running of the laboratory. They have a variety of duties, including:

• Managing equipment stocks, ordering replacements when necessary.
• Disposing of laboratory waste.
• Preparing and maintaining equipment.
• Taking and testing samples.
• Recording and analysing experiment results.
• Reporting findings to the scientist, verbally or in writing.
• Identifying hazards in the lab and assessing risks.

Laboratory technicians work at different levels of responsibility. Senior technicians might have more responsibility for experiment work, report writing and lab management. They might have duties such as giving on-the-job training to other technicians, supervising staff, or managing health and safety procedures. For many types of work, technicians need to wear protective clothing such as coats, gloves, eye protection and safety footwear. Technicians use a wide variety of laboratory equipment and materials in their work. They also use computers, for example, to monitor stock levels and record experiment results.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a laboratory technician, you’ll need:

• Observation skills and attention to detail.
• A thorough and methodical approach to your work.
• The ability to record test results accurately and write reports of your findings.
• Teamwork skills: you might work closely with scientists, technologists, teachers, lecturers and other technicians.
• Initiative and the ability to work without supervision.
• The ability to use a wide variety of laboratory equipment.
• Computer and word-processing skills.
• An enquiring mind, with willingness to learn and develop new skills.

Some technicians work with hazardous substances and potentially dangerous materials and equipment. It is important to follow instructions carefully, learn and use safe working practices, and wear protective clothing or use protective equipment when needed.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries vary depending on the company and range of responsibility. The pay rates given are approximate. Laboratory technicians earn in the range of £20,000 a year, rising to £28,000 with experience.

Laboratory technicians usually work a 37-40-hour week, Monday to Friday.

Employers are companies in a wide variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, colour technology, textiles, plastics, cosmetics, food and drink, and oil and gas. Other opportunities are with forensic science laboratories, the NHS and government departments. Technicians also work in schools, colleges, medical and veterinary colleges, universities and research facilities. Opportunities for laboratory technicians occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in science magazines and journals, including New Scientist (which also posts jobs on its website). They also appear on job boards, in local/national newspapers, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

Most people enter a post and then have training on-the-job. It’s possible to enter and train through a level 3 apprenticeship. 

If you do an apprenticeship, you will undertake training on-the-job and also do part-time study by day- or block-release for relevant qualifications. These could include Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals, higher national qualifications, foundation degrees and degrees. You might work towards a certificate or diploma in laboratory and associated technical activities or laboratory science.

The Institute of Science & Technology (IST) runs a range of training courses, as well as continuing professional development programmes. For more information, please see the IST website.

The Science Council has a register for professional technicians. Registration recognises technicians’ vital role and raises their profile: becoming a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) will help ensure that the role and expertise is properly recognised by employers and others within the science community. Registration is through membership of one of a number of recognised professional bodies.

You could progress to a supervisory, team leader or senior position.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: In some posts, for example, in schools and further education colleges, working as a laboratory technician is an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to.

Qualifications

Most employers ask for at least four to five GCSEs at grades 9-4, including maths, English and science or one of the relevant separate science subjects, or equivalent. Laboratory technicians often have higher qualifications, such as A-levels or equivalent, and some have HNDs, foundation degrees or degrees.

If you wish to enter this career through an advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have a background in laboratory work, for example, as a routine tester or assistant.

It is possible to enter and train through an Intermediate Level Apprenticeship or Advanced Level Apprenticeship (Laboratory and Science Technicians).

Related careers

• Food technician
• Materials technician
• Medical laboratory assistant
• Pharmacy technician
• Scientist