Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians carry out routine laboratory tests and perform a variety of technical support functions to help scientists, technologists and others with their work. The actual nature of the job will depend upon the employer, but they can work in research and development, scientific analysis and testing, education and manufacturing. They are employed in a wide range of scientific fields that affect almost every aspect of our lives. They could be involved in helping to diagnose disease, supporting medical specialists in a hospital or health environment, or checking products in the food, drink or pharmaceutical industries.

Most laboratory technicians work standard office hours during the daytime, from Monday to Friday. They are based in laboratories, which are usually clean and may require sterile conditions. They may wear protective clothing, including coats, gloves, masks, goggles, or all-over, sealed, protective suits. Some of their work may be outdoors.

Salaries range from about £11,000 to £40,000 a year.

A laboratory technician should:

• be good at science
• have good practical and technical skills
• work accurately and pay great attention to detail
• have good numeracy and IT skills
• be willing to take on responsibility.

Employers are based throughout the UK and include national and local government, manufacturing and service industries, research laboratories, charitable organisations, universities, colleges and schools, forensic science laboratories and the National Health Service (NHS).

It is possible to join the NHS as a laboratory technician without formal qualifications, but many employers look for at least four GCSEs (A*-C), including science, maths and English, or equivalent qualifications. Employers often seek candidates with higher level qualifications including A levels, BTEC national or higher national certificates/diplomas, or degrees in science subjects. The Diploma in science is planned and Apprenticeships are available.

Laboratory technicians usually receive training from their employers. This normally involves on-the-job training under the supervision of an experienced laboratory technician, which may be supplemented by internal or external courses working towards NVQs at Levels 1 to 4.

It is possible for medical laboratory technicians to become phlebotomists, cardiographers or physiologists.

Further details