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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Lab Worker

💰 $ - $

LaboratoryResearchHealthcareBiotechnology

🎯 Role Definition

The Lab Worker (Laboratory Assistant / Lab Technician) is responsible for performing routine and specialized laboratory tasks to support research, quality control, clinical testing, or production workflows. This role emphasizes accurate sample handling, strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), safe use and maintenance of instruments, and meticulous documentation to ensure reproducibility and regulatory compliance (GLP/GMP/ISO). The Lab Worker serves as the operational backbone of the lab — preparing reagents, running assays, maintaining inventory, and collaborating with scientists, clinicians, or production teams to deliver reliable results on time.

Keywords: lab worker, laboratory assistant, lab technician, sample processing, PCR, ELISA, microbiology, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, LIMS, SOPs, GLP, GMP, QC.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Laboratory Assistant / Entry-Level Lab Technician internship
  • Recent graduate with an Associate/Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field
  • Clinical specimen processor or research intern

Advancement To:

  • Senior Lab Technician / Lead Lab Worker
  • Laboratory Supervisor / Team Lead
  • Research Associate / QC Analyst
  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist / Technologist (with certification)

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Specialist
  • Inventory/Logistics Coordinator for laboratory supplies
  • Instrumentation/Calibration Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Receive, accession, label, and track incoming samples following chain-of-custody and barcoding procedures to ensure traceability and integrity throughout testing and storage.
  • Prepare, aliquot, and store biological and chemical samples using aseptic technique and cold-chain management (refrigeration, −20°C, −80°C, liquid nitrogen) to preserve sample quality for downstream assays.
  • Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, and media according to written SOPs and batch records; perform reagent QC, lot tracking, and maintain Certificates of Analysis.
  • Perform routine and specialized assays such as PCR/qPCR, ELISA, immunoassays, microbiological culturing, Gram staining, HPLC/GC sample prep, spectrophotometry, and plate-based assays with consistent reproducibility.
  • Operate and maintain core laboratory instruments (centrifuges, incubators, biosafety cabinets, automated pipetting systems, microscopes, plate readers, thermal cyclers) and perform routine calibration, preventive maintenance, and instrument QC checks.
  • Accurately record experimental observations, assay results, instrument logs, and deviations in laboratory notebooks, electronic lab notebooks (ELN), or the laboratory information management system (LIMS) in compliance with GLP/GMP documentation practices.
  • Execute quality control procedures including running controls and standards, calculating and documenting assay acceptance criteria, and escalating out-of-specification (OOS) results to supervisors for investigation.
  • Follow biosafety, hazardous waste, chemical hygiene, and environmental health and safety (EHS) protocols, including proper PPE use, biohazard disposal, sharps handling, and spill response.
  • Troubleshoot routine assay failures and instrument issues by methodically checking reagents, consumables, instrument status, and SOP adherence; document troubleshooting steps and corrective actions.
  • Perform sample preparation for downstream analytical workflows including extraction, centrifugation, filtration, concentration, and dilution to meet assay input requirements.
  • Maintain and organize laboratory inventory: order consumables, manage stock rotation (FIFO), receive shipments, and reconcile supply usage to avoid interruptions in workflow.
  • Conduct lot-to-lot verification of critical reagents and consumables, prepare validation or verification records, and assist with method validation activities under supervision.
  • Assist with training new lab personnel on SOPs, equipment operation, and safety protocols; maintain competency checklists and training records.
  • Process and prepare clinical specimens in accordance with CLIA/CLSI guidelines where applicable, ensuring timely turnaround and confidentiality of patient information (HIPAA awareness).
  • Participate in internal and external audits by preparing documentation, supporting evidence, and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) as assigned.
  • Sterilize, decontaminate, and clean laboratory glassware, tools, and workspaces using autoclaves, chemical disinfectants, and validated cleaning protocols.
  • Label, prepare, and ship biological materials and hazardous chemicals according to IATA/ICAO and DOT regulations, including proper documentation and packaging.
  • Assist scientists and production teams with experimental setup, pilot runs, sample batching, and routine production tasks while maintaining throughput and quality targets.
  • Record and maintain environmental and equipment monitoring data (temperature logs, CO2 incubator conditions, refrigerator/freezer alarms) and respond to deviations.
  • Support basic cell culture tasks where permitted: thawing, passaging, counting, viability assessment, and cryopreservation following aseptic techniques and cell-line specific protocols.
  • Prepare visual and written reports summarizing daily activities, assay performance metrics, and inventory status for the supervisor or laboratory manager.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Lean, Kaizen) to optimize lab workflows, reduce waste, and increase throughput while maintaining quality.
  • Adhere to ethical and regulatory requirements for handling controlled substances, human-derived materials, or animal samples, and assist in maintaining required documentation and approvals (IRB/IACUC) as appropriate.
  • Maintain communication with vendors and service providers to schedule instrument service, calibration, and supplies procurement to minimize downtime.
  • Support ad-hoc projects such as sample archiving, large-scale processing campaigns, or pilot studies by following project plans and contributing practical lab expertise.

Secondary Functions

  • Contribute to the development and revision of SOPs by documenting practical improvements and validating procedural changes under supervision.
  • Assist with basic data entry, LIMS updates, and sample status tracking to support timely reporting and data integrity.
  • Support laboratory onboarding activities, including safety orientation, access provisioning, and workspace setup for new hires.
  • Participate in cross-functional meetings to coordinate sample flows, prioritize urgent testing, and align lab capacity with business needs.
  • Help prepare materials and demonstrations for training sessions, open houses, and internal knowledge-sharing events.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient pipetting technique and precision liquid handling (manual and automated liquid handlers).
  • Hands-on experience with molecular biology workflows: PCR, qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, gel electrophoresis.
  • Experience performing immunoassays such as ELISA, western blotting, or chemiluminescent assays.
  • Familiarity with microbiology techniques: streaking, plating, colony counting, aseptic technique, sterile culturing.
  • Instrument operation and maintenance: centrifuges, incubators, biosafety cabinets, microscopes, plate readers, thermal cyclers.
  • Experience with LIMS, ELN, or laboratory data systems for sample accessioning, result entry, and reporting.
  • Knowledge of GLP/GMP/CLIA quality systems, documentation practices, and SOP adherence.
  • Competence in preparing buffers, media, and reagent solutions with accurate calculations and proper documentation.
  • Basic analytical instrument techniques: spectrophotometry, HPLC/GC sample prep familiarity, mass spectrometry prep basics.
  • Cold chain and biobanking best practices including cryopreservation and sample storage management.
  • Hazardous materials handling and disposal, including familiarity with MSDS/SDS and regulated shipping (IATA/DOT).
  • Basic competency in Microsoft Office (Excel for data recording and simple analysis) or equivalent data tools.
  • Experience with calibration, preventive maintenance schedules, and generating equipment logs.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, reproducible record-keeping.
  • Excellent time management and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills for clear lab reporting and cross-team collaboration.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to troubleshoot assays and instrument issues methodically.
  • Team player who supports colleagues, shares knowledge, and helps maintain a positive safety culture.
  • Dependability, punctuality, and the ability to follow directions while exercising good judgment.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities, new protocols, and evolving project requirements.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and openness to training on new technologies and methods.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with relevant laboratory experience; or
  • Associate degree in Laboratory Technology, Biology, Chemistry, or related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related life sciences discipline.
  • Certifications (preferred): Laboratory Technician certification, CLS, or phlebotomy certification where applicable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Clinical Laboratory Science
  • Biotechnology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–3 years for entry-level positions; 2–5 years for roles with greater autonomy or specialized assays.

Preferred:

  • 1–3 years of hands-on laboratory experience in a research, clinical, or industrial setting.
  • Prior exposure to GLP/GMP environments, LIMS, and routine instrumentation with documented competency.
  • Demonstrated experience with specific assays relevant to the role (e.g., PCR, ELISA, cell culture) will be prioritized.
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